Thirsty Quireboys Celebrate A Stunning ‘God Bless America’ Album Launch And Video Premiere in London’s Soho  

The Thirsty Quireboys lit up The Spice of Life, Soho with a sold‑out, high‑energy celebration for the launch of ‘God Bless America – Best of Thirsty’. The intimate basement venue was packed with fans, friends, industry and long‑time supporters, all there to honour the legacy of Guy Bailey and the new chapter brought to life by his friends Spike, Chris Johnstone, Irina D, Simon Hanson and producer Chris Kimsey.

The night opened with a blistering set from Bones of the City, setting the tone for an evening that blended nostalgia, storytelling and pure rock ’n’ roll spirit.

Guests were then treated to the world premiere of the brand‑new video for the title track ‘God Bless America’, a cinematic tribute to Bailey’s songwriting and the emotional core of the album, explained beautifully in detail by Chris Johnstone (featured below). The premiere was followed by a lively Q&A with the band and Chris Kimsey giving fans a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the project’s creation, alongside a few laughs and memories from back in the day.

Pic: James Cochrane

The atmosphere surged again as Spike took the stage with Tom Golzen, Chris Johnstone, Matty Cassidy, and Simon Hanson, delivering a powerful, heartfelt performance, including poetic vocals from Guy’s songwriting partner, Irina D –  that had the room buzzing long after the final chord. It was nothing short of intimate and moving.

The intimate 100-capacity venue was filled wall‑to‑wall with energy, emotion, and the unmistakable spirit of Guy Bailey, whose legacy powered the evening from start to finish.

With proceeds supporting Nordoff & Robbins in Bailey’s memory, the launch became more than an event — it was a celebration of community, legacy and the enduring magic of Thirsty’s music.

The album ‘God Bless America – Best of Thirsty’ is out now on all major platforms

Listen: Here

Buy: Here

The analysis of the track ‘GOD BLESS AMERICA’ –  by Chris Johnstone

‘God Bless America’ is a song about a less well-known tragedy involving the Kennedy family.

The Kennedys are perhaps the best-known family in 20 century US political history.

Everyone knows about the assassinations of JFK and Bobby. Events Defining the 1960s.

Not so many know anything about the tragedy of their older sister Rosemary.  

This song ‘God Bless America’ is her story.

Rosemary Kennedy grew up in the 1930s with mild educational and behavioural issues; and later with angry mood swings that embarrassed her father Senator Joe Kennedy.

 Seeking a “cure” – in 1942 Senator Joe had her lobotomised whilst fully conscious by US surgeon Mr James Watts with tragic consequences.

The operation was botched and she was left with the mind of a two-year-old.  Her father had her hidden away for over 20 years.

There are Only 10 lines in the Song.  But Each of the lines is very specific – and each line reflects an entry on Rosemary Kennedy’s Wikipedia page.

“She had a gleaming smile” – Rosemary was not super intelligent, but she was sociable and known for her beautiful smile.

 “She would escape at night” – as a teenager Rosemary used to run away from her convent boarding school to consternation of all the nuns

“Danced for the English queen” – when her father was in London as US ambassador – Rosemary was presented to Queen Mary and danced at the Debutante Ball in London

“Like a Lily of the valley” – this was the favourite flower of her famous sister-in-law Jackie Kennedy – wedding bouquet – White House flower arrangements- coffin  

“The  in Charge” this is her father Senator Joe

“Mr Watts said sing some notes for me ” God Bless America God Bless America ”  Mr Watts was the surgeon who undertook the operation

These are Mr Watts’ own words describing what happened during the “operation”:

“We went through the top of the head,” Dr. Watts recalled. “She was awake. I made a surgical incision in the brain through the skull. We put an instrument inside”.

As Dr. Watts cut, his colleague asked Rosemary to sing ‘God Bless America’.

Watts continued:  “We made an estimate on how far to cut based on how she responded.”

When Rosemary stopped singing – so did Mr Watts.

The operation was a total failure. Rosemary was left incontinent and with the mind of a two year old.

Joe Kennedy had her locked away in secret location  for over 20 years.

What happened to Rosemary Kennedy – in the context of the Kennedy family – and what happened to her as she sang ‘God Bless America’ can be seen as a powerful parable about US politics and even the US itself .