R2OK!

Andy W · Joined: 02 Dec 2010 Posts: 140 Location: France

Bob Harris to present a show recalling the performers on OGWT with archive material and new performances. This from the press release:

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Old Grey Whistle Test, Radio 2 has commissioned a 16-part series entitled Old Grey Whistle Test 40 hosted by who else but Bob Harris, soon to receive an OBE.

Bob said: "Making this series for Radio 2 is proving to be a heart-warming and exciting experience. It is wonderful to discover the affection so many of the artists still have for the Old Grey Whistle Test – big name stars whose careers the programme supported in their early days. It's a massive re-union, featuring superstars of British and American music. We are re-creating the ethos of the original shows, featuring amazing new performances, interviews and archive in a gloriously musical atmosphere. Whether you remember the original programmes or not, Old Grey Whistle Test 40 is simply a must-listen for all serious music fans."

Launched in 1971, OGWT was the BBC's flagship music programme which ran – to huge critical and audience acclaim – until 1988. It gave the first British exposure to music greats such as Bob Marley, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Steely Dan and Billy Joel.

Starting in August, the programmes will feature classic archive, new performances and interviews with artists who appeared on the original series and will be recorded at the historic Maida Vale studios. Those already confirmed to take part include Elton John, Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, Robert Plant, Mark Knopfler, Paul Weller, Yusuf Islam, Emmylou Harris, Gregg Allman, Simple Minds and Neil Finn. To be produced by The Whispering Bob Broadcasting Company, each programme will cover one year of OGWT.

More on summer schedule here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/07_july/06/radio2.shtml

littlepieces · Joined: 10 Jan 2010 Posts: 1098 Location: Lowestoft

This i will be tuning in for great that Bob is still involved should make for great radio
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I found out how you can hurt an insect.It's the bees knees

Helen May · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 19334 Location: Cheshire

Sounds like it's going to be a good series!

H
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88 - 91 FM this is Radio 2 from the BBC!

I said it live on air in the studio with Jeremy Vine on 10/3/2005

John W · Joined: 07 Dec 2006 Posts: 3367 Location: Warwickshire, UK

Quite a few good things listed for summer. OGWT should be interesting, also there's another reggae programme.
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John W

nod · Joined: 24 Dec 2006 Posts: 3558

It should be good Very Happy