Salisbury-based band The Zucchinis celebrate a quarter century together by aiming to raise £1,000 for two charities with their 1,000th gig on Saturday, 24th October.
Hughsie, Chalky, Ruth, Mickey and Gary have been entertaining audiences at venues, festivals, parties and events across Salisbury and the Southwest for a quarter of a century. Along the way, they’ve built up a loyal following and played at countless private and corporate events – despite never really promoting the band.
In fact, the five musicians have collectively played in at least 38 other bands over the years.
The band started when three current members – Ruth Jones, Graham “Hughsie” Hughes, and Grahame “Chalky” White – played together in an original indie-pop band called The Courgettes.
After hearing drummer Hughsie sing a bit of karaoke, they decided to try something different: a more party-oriented band, with Hughsie on lead vocals. They handed drums to Gary Holton, and recruited Mickey Norris to play keyboards.
They asked friends for suggestions for a name for their new musical alter ego. Ruth’s friends Karen and Virginia came up with The Zucchinis – the Italian name for courgettes, and the name stuck.
The secret to The Zucchinis’ longevity? Perhaps it’s simply that they never intended to last this long.
Lead vocalist Graham “Hughsie” Hughes said: “We never meant this band to last very long. I was the drummer, and they let me have a go at lead vocals – and oops, here I am, still!
“We’re genuinely humbled by the fact that people keep booking us. We’ve had 25 years of fantastic gigs, great audiences and some very memorable nights, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.”
Their memorable nights include “The one where Hughie ended up in the hosts’ swimming pool at midnight” – “The one where we ate all the cheese” – and The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Christmas Ball!
They currently have around 230 songs in their repertoire and are constantly learning new material.
“We think that’s probably why we are still going,” says bass player Ruth “We’re always trying out new songs, which keeps us on our toes – and suitably nervous for every gig!”
And while the five Zucchinis have stayed together for 25 years, they’ve certainly had plenty of other musical adventures. Between them, the band members have played in at least 38 other bands over the years.
The band will mark their 25th anniversary with a special 1,000th gig at one of their favourite venues, Salisbury Rugby Club, on Saturday 24 October, bringing together friends, supporters, and Zucchinis fans old and new – and finally launching their first-ever band merchandise – a Zucchinis T-shirt will be on sale!
But for the band, the anniversary is about more than simply celebrating.
They are using the occasion to raise funds for two causes particularly close to their hearts: The Rachel Swindall Trust and Dementia UK. A prize raffle on 24th October includes 2 x weekend tickets for The Music Baa 2027, Salisbury Playhouse tickets, a Downtown Brewery Gift Pack, and loads more!
The Zucchinis 25th Anniversary Gig
Saturday 24 October 2026
Salisbury Rugby Club
7.30 pm – 11.30 pm
“We’re not sure how we’ve made it this far, but if you keep booking us – we’ll keep playing!” Gary Holton
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