Last month the Dixie Chicks – who really ought to consider re-branding – released a new album with a single referring to the lead singer’s 2003 brouhaha entitled “Not Ready to Make Nice.”
The trio caused an outcry in 2003 after singer Natalie Maines said the band were “ashamed” the US President was from their home state of Texas. They said the backlash was the focus of their new song Not Ready to Make Nice.
“The stakes were definitely higher on that song.
“And once we had that song done, it freed us up to do the rest of the album without that burden.”
Oh, the bravery! Speaking truth to power and all that. Very fashionable. But this month, the not ready to make nice girls are neither ready to tour the red states – Dixie, in other words – so much:
Country music stars the Dixie Chicks have cancelled some US tour dates after slow ticket sales. Concert industry magazine Pollstar says shows have been dropped in Republican states such as Oklahoma and Tennessee.
“Republican” states? Isn’t Al Gore from Tennessee?. Ah, well: They’ll always have Paris.
Somehow this all seems so 2003 – back when we were surprised that pretty but clueless entertainers could read something in a magazine and decide that the “preznit was teh *SUXOR*!!! – LOL!” Back when people who hoped to be taken seriously could simultaneously aver that expressing such complex and deeply held thought was constitutionally protected speech, but that vigorously disagreeing with such speech was STIFLING OF DISSENT! Back when brutal terrorists could be brought to justice and we expected everyone to pretty much agree that it was a good thing – no one “questioned the timing,” or anything.
Whatever. It just doesn’t surprise us, anymore.
Death threats are never acceptable, no matter what side of the fence you are on.
However, I really wish celebrities would just shut up about their political views. They should donate money, quietly, to their pet causes and leave the analytical stuff to the professionals. When I go to the movies or listen to my choices in music, I do so to be entertained and NOT have to think about the world’s problems. When celebrities choose to include their political agenda in their “art” I make a choice of my own – to not see their movies, watch their TV shows or buy their music.
I have one “pre-statement” Dixie Chicks CD in my collection – and it shall remain lonely.
The Indianapolis (where I live) show was cancelled also.
When I want to listen to some country, Alan Jackson and George Strait are all I need…
The “Burn Your Bridges” tour of the group Three Divas and a Banjo is attracting a “ho-hum” response from the “pop” crowd it has chosen to be its new fan base.
Saw this in the “tour” link above:
“Box office sales for a concert in Houston, Texas have also been cancelled.”
Hmmm….the Chicks are from Texas….looks like the hometown crowd has spoken.
Kris in NE,
I agree entirely! I’ve never understood why the views of an “entertainer” or “actor”, regardless of their political leanings, are any more worthy of media attention than any other citizen. What do you think would happen if one of “us” contacted a TV station and demanded equal time?
Bomber – we’d be laughed off and referred to a mental health agency. The men in white coats would come and take us away, cuz who are we to want equal time???
Celebrity and artistic talent doesn’t equal brains, as people like Sean Penn (Katrina stunt) and The Dixie Chicks clearly show.
If celebrities MUST be political active, then be like Angelina Jolie – sure she’s odd and all that, but she puts her money where her mouth is. She advocates for good works and spends the coin to make it happen. And we don’t know what her politics are.
Kris in NE said.
“but she puts her money where her mouth is”
Let’s leave the collagen implants out of this.
FWIW, I agree that silent support is usually the best form of advocacy. I too had the Chicks’ first CD, but after 03 I gave it to my daughter and bought Toby Keith!
Airman –
Their base has spoken. The “Chicks” are hurting, and their earning power has taken a hit.
Small potatoes. Let’s move on to big game.
Let this movement to say “NO” take on the Hollywood and the MSM! Modify their behavior by limiting their cashflow. BS walks, money talks.
re AJ- Are y’all saying those lucious lips aren’t natural? Say it tain’t so Joe.
B2
Badbob,
Regardless of augmentation, that’s one fine looking young lady.
No Chicks on Milwaukee Country Radio:
http://mu-warrior.blogspot.com/2006/06/milwaukee-country-radio-no-dixie.html
I think it all comes back to arrogance. They didn’t just express a political opinion when
asked, they went out of their way to attack Bush personally.
And in an interview with Howard Stern, they attacked conservative fans.
D*mned shame, because I really like their music. I always turn it up when I hear it on the car radio. I just don’t buy any more of their CDs.
Maybe their next CD, produced in Fwance,will be titled:
“Birds Without A Country”
Meanwhile, Toby Keith, their nemesis and a Great American, plays for the troops in the Sandbox.
Rock on, Toby
Personally, I see it as a sign that the Dems will not take control of the House of Reps.
Maybe they will drop Natalie and call the new group “2 Non Blondes”
I agree that just because someone can sing or act does not make them any more politically astute than anyone else. And to any other Sean Penn/Alec Baldwin wannabe human shield volunteers I have a request… If you are going to volunteer as a human shield, could you please take this GPS transponder with you? Thanks!
some people should shut up instead of asking others to shut up and sing!
So Danny, I take it – and I’m filliing in a little, because you didn’t leave me much to work with – that your point is that Ms Maines, a US citizen,?Ǭ
So Danny, I take it – and I’m filliing in a little, because you didn’t leave me much to work with – that your point is that Ms Maines, a US citizen, is well within her rights to criticize – while in a foreign country – the Commander-in-Chief of the country’s military while those forces are actually engaged in combat operations. Because.
But the rest of us should refrain from criticizing her for doing so. Because.
Is that, ah… About it?