Simon RushworthSong
10, 7 And Possibly 6
Artist
Thirsty Quireboys
Thirsty Quireboys backstory
Thirsty is a London-based collaboration rooted in classic songwriting and shaped by arthouse, psychedelic and alternative rock.
The band began as a creative partnership between the late Guy Bailey — founder of The Quireboys — and Russian poet and lyricist Irina D.
And the early recordings took shape during late-night sessions in Bailey’s South London studio, supported by Simon Hanson (Squeeze, Death in Vegas), Chris Johnstone (The Quireboys), Lynne Jackaman and Kristi Kimsey.
Thirsty’s sound was further refined by legendary Rolling Stones producer Chris Kimsey and the evolving collective dropped their debut self-titled album in 2015.
Albatross (2016) and Nomad (2018) followed with both records showcasing Bailey’s intuitive songwriting craft.
Following his passing in 2023 talks took place between Thirsty and Bailey’s best mate Spike to bring the former’s best work back to life.
This year’s posthumous tribute God Bless America — released under the Thirsty Quireboys name — revisited and reimagined a raft of Bailey’s back catalogue highlights via new versions and duets.
In Spike’s own words
“A few months ago everyone in the band agreed, after hearing the Thirsty Quireboys album, we should perform the song 10, 7 And Possibly 6 live at the shows in October.
“So me and Guy Bailey’s hat decided to do a video for that song with the acclaimed director James Heron.
“Also Richard England from Cadiz Records, who was an old mate of Guy’s, decided to release a single on vinyl limited edition that we’ll sell at the shows.
“Guy Bailey was such a huge part of my life and I dedicate every show to him, as I know he is there with us in spirit keeping rock ‘n’ roll alive.”
The verdict on 10, 7 And Possibly 6
A kick-ass video clip directed by James Heron complements one of the strongest Spike vocals in years — breathing new life into a bona fide Guy Bailey classic.
10, 7 And Possibly 6 is a triumphant reimagining of a raucously entertaining rock and roll song from one of the albums of the year.
And it’s little surprise that one of Bailey’s best pieces of work persuaded Spike, Chris Johnstone and Chris Kimsey to lay down an album’s worth of much-loved archive material.
Far from mourning the passing of a unique songwriter, 10, 7 And Possibly 6 celebrates the creative passion that fuelled a celebrated career.
Listen carefully and you’ll even hear the peerless Lynne Jackaman adding a touch of class to a terrific tune.
Bailey’s fretwork is mesmerising and old mate Spike bounces off a suitably sleazy riff with style.
There’s a reason that incendiary combination fired The Quireboys to Download’s main stage, Top Of The Pops and sustained chart success.
10, 7 And Possibly 6 is more than a tribute: it’s keeping rock and roll alive. The way it was meant to be.
What’s next for Thirsty Quireboys
The news that 10, 7 And Possibly 6 has been locked into the latest run of Quireboys headline shows is music to the ears of the band’s earliest adopters.
Spike continues to keep his buddy’s memory alive across the UK throughout October — click here to find out where and when.
