Old Grey Whistle Test
 

The Old Grey Whistle Test, kind of a silly name but it must have a been a cool show back then, we didn't have anything like it in the states except Rock Concert in the 70's (which usually sucked), and whatever band was playing on SNL in a particular week. I don't count MTV because most of it wasn't live. It ran for 16 years in the UK and I never heard of it until now, I'm always a day late and a dollar short. http://www.ifilm.com/video/2477301

That Arctic Monkeys video was shot in the style of it i think.

It was sort of infamous as much as famous. 'Whispering' Bob Harris' now legendary "mock rock" comment after the New York Dolls sort of somes up the attitude. But atleast they did feature them, and Television, and Patti Smith at a time when noone else was.

There are a couple of compilation DVDs available that contain some great footage. Wel worth a look.

my dad has all the DVD's, they are very very good. :)

the old grey whistle test is a type of programme that if it was around today it would be unmissable. the dvds are not 100% quality the whole way through but are excellent as a document of progressive and contemporary music, both mainstream and underground, during a very turmoil filled era in our recent history.... go buy the box set, it is well worth the value tag!