Sammy Hagar and Montrose Ignite London on The Old Grey Whistle Test
On May 21, 1974, at the BBC Television Centre in London, a young Sammy Hagar-fronted Montrose delivered a brief but memorable performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test, the influential BBC2 music programme renowned for showcasing serious rock and album-oriented acts rather than Top 40 singles.
The band took the studio stage at Pres B, a compact BBC performance space in West London, as part of the show’s third season. That night Montrose presented two tracks drawn from their already acclaimed debut album, recorded just months earlier. The set opened with “Bad Motor Scooter,” a raw, high-energy rocker written by Hagar that had become a signature part of the group’s identity. This song features Ronnie Montrose’s inventive sliding guitar work designed to evoke the sound of a revving engine, and Hagar’s assertive vocal delivery helped establish him as a commanding presence in hard rock.
Following that, the band transitioned into “Space Station #5,” a dynamic composition also from their 1973 self-titled album. That track showcased Montrose’s capacity to blend muscular riffing with adventurous harmonies, underscoring their reach beyond straightforward rock into more expansive sonic territory.
Their appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test was a strategic moment in Montrose’s evolution. In 1973, the group had released Montrose, an album that initially charted modestly but over time became recognized as a defining early hard rock record with enduring influence. By performing live for British audiences on this respected programme, Montrose both affirmed their commitment to musicianship and exposed their sound to a wider international audience.
The show itself, which had been on air since 1971, was notable for presenting bands in genuine performance contexts rather than miming to playback, and by the mid-1970s it was a crucial platform for rock artists seeking credibility among serious listeners. Montrose’s segment sat alongside performances by other established and emerging acts that aired that week, placing them in the company of musicians drawing attention across the UK.
In retrospect this televised performance captures Montrose at a pivotal moment. Within a year the band’s internal tensions would see Hagar depart and pursue the solo career that would eventually lead him to even greater commercial success, including later joining Van Halen.
For fans and historians alike, Montrose’s Old Grey Whistle Test appearance remains a vital snapshot of early 1970s hard rock and a testament to the explosive, gritty sound that helped define Hagar’s career while cementing Montrose’s place in rock history.