Old Grey Whistle Test set to make return to the charts

Jun 28 2010 by Lorne Jackson, Sunday Mercury

Whispering Bob Harris

DJ and music TV presenter ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris has always been known for his love of rootsy, authentic music.

In the 1970s he presented The Old Grey Whistle Test (TOGWT), which provided a home for more adult orientated rock music. Unlike Top Of The Pops, the music on TOGWT was performed live.

Bands who appeared had to have released albums, not just throw away singles. It was clear that Bob believed rock wasn’t just an offshoot of the entertainment industry – it was an authentic art form.

He championed many of the top musicians of the time, including the Midlands very own larynx of lava, Led Zeppelin front man, Robert Plant.

Yet a couple of weeks ago, the Northampton-born presenter appeared on a BBC debate to decide the best rock performers of all time. Instead of making the case for Plant – a man with a passion for roots music as well as heavy rock – he argued for the more contrived and outrageous Freddie Mercury.

So what happened to authentic rock, Bob?

“I wanted to make the case for Robert Plant,” reveals the DJ. “I’ve been a huge fan of Robert’s from the early days. He’s also a very good friend.

‘‘But the way that particular TV show worked, was that the BBC decided which rockers we were to make the case for.

“Sharleen Spiteri, the lead singer from the band Texas, had already been asked to argue for Robert, so I was left with Freddie.”

Bob adds: “That’s not to say that I don’t also love the music of Queen and Freddie Mercury. He was an incredible talent, too, and a super guy.

“So although it would have been great to have got the chance to list the attributes of Robert, I was very happy to be an advocate for Freddie, instead.”