Five of the best performances on legendary 1970s classic rock TV show

I remember watching Old Grey Whistle Test like it was yesterday, transporting me to a time when music felt more raw, more authentic, and more alive. The show was my gateway to discovering bands that would shape my musical taste for years to come.

In the 1970s, classic rock reigned supreme. Many of these songs reached the top charts and received ample play on both television and radio. Much of this classic rock was centered around albums, meaning that to fully appreciate the artists’ message, one had to listen to the entire record.

In the past, there were limited ways to listen to albums and their tracks. Hearing an artist live or acquiring (or borrowing) the album were the primary means. Therefore, when a British TV show focusing on non-chart music debuted, it offered a completely new avenue for discovering and watching a diverse array of artists.

The Old Grey Whistle Test (OGWT) initially aired on BBC in 1971, where it showcased numerous remarkable bands and artists. Some of them were well-established acts granting rare TV performances, while others were relatively unknown, seeking their big break. This program undeniably aided many in their rise to fame; moreover, it propelled Nashville band Area 615 into minor stardom with their song “Stone Fox Chaser,” which served as the theme tune and was associated with the Starkicker visuals used during the show’s introduction.

Five of the best performances on this legendary show

Most times, Bob Harris hosted the shows, which often included pre-recorded segments that were broadcast live with a slight delay, accompanied by occasional videos and interviews. At other instances, the show would opt for a ‘live-in-concert’ format. Regrettably, many of the tapes have been recycled over the years, leaving only a handful of sessions accessible now.

The selection of music spanned widely, offering numerous viewers an authentic peek into unfamiliar tunes. Despite being studio recordings, the bands frequently delivered outstanding performances, brimming with vitality and enthusiasm. Here are merely five standout performances from the program throughout the 1970s; there were countless others as well.

Sensational Alex Harvey Band – May 30, 1975

On May 30, 1975, the “OGWT” show was a Scottish music special. This event showcased some of the leading acts including Nazareth, Average White Band, Rab Noakes, Blue, and the Sensational Alex Harvey Band (SAHB). Only SAHB and Noakes participated in the studio recordings and filming for the others.

On this particular occasion, the SAHB wasn’t making their debut on the show; instead, they left an indelible mark. The band stood out with their exceptional guitarist, Zal Cleminson, often adorned in a somewhat unsettling mime makeup. Naturally, they were steered by Alex Harvey, a tough, captivating, and slightly madcap Glaswegian who was undeniably one of the greatest frontmen.

In a clear and engaging manner: The profound depth of the theme became strikingly apparent in this revamped rendition of “Delilah,” the popular Tom Jones tune. While many recognize the catchy, upbeat lyrics and chorus, fewer are aware that the song actually narrates a tragic tale – a man’s revenge after discovering his girlfriend’s infidelity, culminating in her murder.

In their rendition, SAHB leaves no room for question about the tune’s essence. The trio of Harvey, Cleminson, and band members imbue the melody with an ominous edge, yet there’s a hint of playfulness interwoven as well. Their performance of this track, titled OGWT, is nothing short of captivating. There are several unauthorized videos of their act available online, and they’re definitely worth checking out. The performance garnered attention from the UK audience, paving the way for SAHB to release their version of “Delilah” shortly after, which landed them a top 40 chart hit.

Continued on next page

David Bowie – February 7, 1972

Choosing David Bowie for your lineup is a decision you’re unlikely to regret. At the time this recording was made in February 1972, he was about to embark on his initial Ziggy Stardust UK tour, just two days away. For the recording session, he selected songs from his 1971 album Hunky Dory, among them “Five Years,” “Queen Bitch,” and “Oh You Pretty Things.” However, only the first two were aired on the original broadcast, which was shown the following day.

For the recording session, both Bowie and his band were dressed to perform in their glam rock attire. Although the performance was done live, they had a chance for multiple takes. However, “Queen Bitch” required more than one take because Bowie wasn’t satisfied with the initial versions. He halted the second attempt prematurely, still dissatisfied. The third try, though, was just right and the one that was eventually broadcast.

This song is reminiscent of David Bowie’s iconic glam rock style, with subtle echoes of “Suffragette City.” Despite not being a single, it was highly acclaimed on the album. Bowie composed it as a homage to the Velvet Underground. The live rendition from this recording session was featured in his 2002 DVD compilation titled “Best Of Bowie.

Peter Frampton – October 26, 1976

1976 saw the return of Peter Frampton to British television screens through a concert program titled OGWT. Known for his past collaborations with The Herd and Humble Pie, this occasion provided an opportunity to highlight his solo work. At that time, Frampton was experiencing significant success, with his live album “Frampton Comes Alive” having been released earlier in the year and garnering widespread acclaim.

That made him a great star to include on OGWT. A show was recorded at The Pavilion, Hemel Hempstead in October 1976 and shown shortly after. It was a 45-minute six-song special featuring top tracks from the hit album. It was a top performance from Frampton back in his homeland. To some extent, this was the reverse of the usual scenario where bands try to recreate album tracks live. In this case, Frampton had to show that the brilliant live performances on his record could be repeated on a stage. He did so superbly and earned even more interest in his album.

At that moment, “Frampton Comes Alive” was no longer in the UK’s top twenty charts, but it had previously made an impact on them. However, following the broadcast of the show, the album re-entered the top ten. The buzz about the show served to promote the album and prolong its success on the charts.

Continued on next page

Humble Pie – March 20, 1973

Speaking of Peter Frampton, let me tell you that his former band, Humble Pie, performed on the show a while ago. Specifically, in March 1973, Steve Marriott fronted Humble Pie and played some fantastic songs in the studio. By then, Frampton had already departed from the band, so Clem Clempson was playing guitar instead. He did a terrific job with his rhythm guitar work as a replacement.

Humble Pie serves as an excellent illustration of the premier bands showcased by the program, steering clear of many one-hit wonders in the pop charts. Their unique blend of rock and blues resonated with a more discerning music demographic, aligning perfectly with the intended audience of OGWT. To temper the band’s typically harsh and heavy guitar tones and infuse more blues into their music, Marriott brought on The Blackberries as part of the group.

The group consisted of three exceptional backup vocalists: Venetta Fields, Clydie King, and Shirlie Matthews. On the show, Blackberries performed an outstanding rendition of Ike and Tina Turner’s “Black Coffee,” with Fields, King, and Matthews contributing their voices to create a more bluesy feel. Marriott also modified some lyrics from the original version, and the entire band infused this performance with a sense-stimulating energy, making it a caffeine-free yet invigorating experience. Additionally, Humble Pie included a rendition of The Top Tones’ hit “Twist and Shout” as part of their two-song segment.

Queen – Live from the Hammersmith Odeon December 24, 1975

On Christmas Eve 1975, Queen put on a remarkable live concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. This performance was no ordinary show; it was a unique event that graced our screens live on BBC. The festive atmosphere added to the excitement, but for the band, it was an extraordinary moment in their career.

Their song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ climbed to the top of the UK charts, and remarkably, their album A Night At The Opera debuted at number two on the UK charts a few weeks prior. After this TV broadcast, it quickly rose to the number one position.

I clearly recall that we watched this specific show on our television back then. On Christmas Eve, I had my little cassette recorder set up, a microphone connected to the TV, and I asked my parents to be quiet so I could record it. The tape was named “Queen Live in ’75” and after multiple plays, it eventually wore out. Interestingly, this concert was released as a live album in 2015 titled “A Night at the Odeon – Hammersmith 1975“.

The performance was truly fantastic, as the band boasted a captivating playlist drawn from multiple chart-topping albums. They kicked off with “Now I’m Here” and continued to amaze us with an array of rock classics. What made this event even more special was that it was one of the initial live renditions of the iconic song, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Naturally, we were all eager to witness how such a grandiose tune would translate on stage, and Queen delivered it splendidly.

The live album, released much later in time, allows us to appreciate the band’s live prowess even at an early stage. It was a fantastic performance and a notable moment in their history. If you’re curious, I recommend listening to the album or checking out the discussion between May and Harris on Brianmay.com about that memorable evening.

2024-12-17 14:01