I’ve always been a big fan. Spunky, cowgirl hip, remarkable vocal and instrumental talent, melodies that reminds me of home and lyrics that elucidate strength and softness. A little Charlie Daniels, a little cherry cheesecake, but chock full of sophistication, they’ve helped country become more cosmopolitan. And I’m all for that.
As I’m sure you heard, a few years ago, at a London performance, on the cusp of both their Top of the World tour and America’s invasion of Iraq, Dixie Chick lead singer Natalie Maines announced to the audience, “Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.”
It was (and still is) her opinion. Protected by free speech, a constitutional right, Natalie certiainly broke no laws. Just a rule. That one about insulting your primary fan base.
It’s not something I would have chosen to say to a crowd of millions on foreign soil. Regardless of my opinion on Iraq or Bush, it just wasn’t a dignified move. But because she’s from a genre of music known for their conservative (and often radical) views, I understood her need to clarify. And I’m sure thousands more wholeheartedly agreed with her anyway.
But many more did not. Overnight their reputation crashed like a pick-up truck in an old country song. The KYGO’s and WLLR’s of the USA banned their music. Sponsorships were pulled. The Free Republic, an independent online forum for grass-roots conservativism, organized and riled their devoted followers to hold cd-burning parties. Country’s primarily red-state audience spat into their spit cups with protest and outrage. Even moderates were stung by this interpreted lack of support for our troops. Hate mail and death threats followed. Maines eventually made apologies but they were later retracted.
By expressing their political views and reacting to controversy with somewhat naïve, knee-jerk reactions, the Chicks had shot themselves in the feet. More than once. While many fans remained, that group was a fraction of their original following.
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In 2006, after three years of musical silence, they released Taking the Long Way Around. With songs like “Not Ready to Make Nice”, “Everybody Knows” and “Bitter End”, their lyrics do more than just mention the emotional strain of audience rejection and unintentional martyrhood. But there’s not one note of apology or backpedaling. Not one regret. With an album Continue reading ‘A few words about the Dixie Chicks. . .’
