The Wurzels, the Somerset scrumpy-and-western band, achieved just one number one hit in nearly 60 years—'The Combine Harvester' in 1976—yet they still sell out gigs, attracting a new generation of Gen Z fans. The band's enduring appeal defies their minimal chart success, with a recent sold-out show at The Garage in Highbury, north London, drawing a predominantly young crowd.
Origins and Early Days
The Wurzels formed in the mid-1960s by Somerset native Alan 'Adge' Cutler, a former cider factory worker. The band's name comes from 'mangelwurzel,' a type of sugar beet used as livestock feed. Their first single, 'Drink Up Thy Zyder,' released in December 1966, celebrated cider and rural life, but only reached number 45 on the charts. For nearly a decade, the band gigged relentlessly without major success.
Tragedy and Unexpected Fame
On May 5, 1974, Adge Cutler died in a car crash near Chepstow, becoming Britain's second most famous singer to die in a road accident, after Eddie Cochran. Banjo player Pete Budd took over as frontman, and in a surprising turn, the band scored their first number one in June 1976 with 'The Combine Harvester,' a cover of a cover of Melanie's 'Brand New Key.' The song stayed at number one for two weeks during the scorching summer. Their follow-up, 'I Am a Cider Drinker,' reached number three in September 1976. A third single, 'Farmer Bill's Cowman,' peaked at number 32, and the band never charted in the top 40 again.
Historic Claim to Fame
According to the article, The Wurzels hold a unique record: measured by months of success divided by years in existence, they are 'almost certainly the least successful act (of any act to have had any hit at all) in global music history'—just six months of success in nearly 60 years of gigging. Despite this, the band continues to perform, with original members Pete Budd and Tommy Banner still active.
Gen Z Revival
The author attended a Wurzels gig just before Christmas at The Garage in Highbury, which was sold out. The crowd was predominantly young, with many fans born long after 1976. The bar ran out of cider, and the merch stall sold out of T-shirts. The band's set included covers like The Kaiser Chiefs' 'Ruby,' introduced with the patter: 'This next one was a number one hit… But not for us.' The reception was described as 'the most warmly-received gig I have been to in years.'
Longevity and Legacy
Despite being largely overlooked by the wider world, The Wurzels are one of the longest-running UK groups, formed in 1966. The author notes that Google lists The Stranglers (formed 1974) as the second longest-running UK group after The Rolling Stones, but argues that The Wurzels, still active, deserve that title. The 50th anniversary of their golden summer in 2026 could see them finally get recognition, with a potential 'legends' slot at Glastonbury 2027.
