<P> The show 's focus on `` serious '' rock music , rather than chart hits covered on BBC1 by Top of the Pops , was emphasised by a lack of showbiz glitter : bands would often perform their songs in front of either the bare studio walls or plain wooden boards ( actually the backs of set walls from other programmes filmed in the same studio ) . As with many BBC productions , this was ( initially at least ) as much a matter of money as of style ; other late night shows of the time , having only ' minority ' appeal , also had to be content with spartan sets . Another factor was that the programme was originally produced in a studio at BBC Television Centre in west London known as `` Pres B '' , which had been originally designed for shooting little more than in - vision continuity . The studio was only 32 by 22 feet ( 10 m × 7 m ) which left little room for a set once the cameras and band were in . </P>
<P> The show 's focus on `` serious '' rock music , rather than chart hits covered on BBC1 by Top of the Pops , was emphasised by a lack of showbiz glitter : bands would often perform their songs in front of either the bare studio walls or plain wooden boards ( actually the backs of set walls from other programmes filmed in the same studio ) . As with many BBC productions , this was ( initially at least ) as much a matter of money as of style ; other late night shows of the time , having only ' minority ' appeal , also had to be content with spartan sets . Another factor was that the programme was originally produced in a studio at BBC Television Centre in west London known as `` Pres B '' , which had been originally designed for shooting little more than in - vision continuity . The studio was only 32 by 22 feet ( 10 m × 7 m ) which left little room for a set once the cameras and band were in . </P>
where was the old grey whistle test filmed
where was the old grey whistle test filmed
BBC Television Centre in west London `` Pres B ''
BBC Television Centre in west London `` Pres B ''