Post by Max on Sept 29, 2020 13:43:12 GMT
Twenty one years ago the Dixie Chicks, with a new singer, released “Wide Open Spaces” and it has been an adventure ever since!
The new line up released 3 albums in 5 years which produced around 15 singles, won them 8 Grammy awards and the second and third both debut at No 1 on the Billboard charts. The Chicks were welcomed with critical acclaim and lauded over with huge commercial success the three women were a breath of fresh air and a much needed shot in the arm for country radio and country in general! This feisty trio could write songs, sing great, played their own instruments with almost virtuosi aplomb and were amazing live performers. On top of all that the front person was fierce, with attitude and a penchant for producing good quotes during interviews! Country did not have a female (or male for that matter) group like them at that time, the fans loved their vibe, their style, their attitude and most of all their songs because the records sold very well, not only in the U.S but also Canada, Europe and Australia territories.
The world tours were massive successes with the fans loving the show, their fashion style was worlds away from how most women in country were dressing and Natalie was the entertaining front person with mischief and sass between songs to keep the crowds entertained.
I was there at Shepherds Bush Empire the night they spoke out against the war and Bush. The band was clear they respected the military, supported troops but not the reasons for the invasion. The concert was fantastic, fun and mischievous as always and many Americans were in the crowd who, without exception, cheered and clapped when she said what was said. Sometime later the whole thing turned crazy and Country radio turned on them in an instant, the Bible belt, rednecks burned posters, CD’s and death threats were sent to concert venues they were next playing at.
Three years into the failed career massacre by the country music crowd they released “Taking the Long Way Round” which won them 5 more Grammy awards. Due to the furore U.S sales were poor but bigger than ever in the other territories and their tours were sell outs, only North America missed out on live dates.
‘Country’ has a history of actively celebrating outspoken male ‘outlaws’ singing songs against establishment but those who control the genre have difficulty allowing women a similar voice.
Sixteen years on country radio still does not play their music but they played the CMA’s last year creating the biggest headlines of the night performing with Beyonce. This year they are on Taylor Swift’s record, the biggest album of this year and already now there is a massive buzz for the new number one album and as soon as covid safe the world tour will no doubt be a huge celebration!
The band is unapologetic, pioneers, outlaws, renegades, innovators, heroes, villains and moms. YES!
The new line up released 3 albums in 5 years which produced around 15 singles, won them 8 Grammy awards and the second and third both debut at No 1 on the Billboard charts. The Chicks were welcomed with critical acclaim and lauded over with huge commercial success the three women were a breath of fresh air and a much needed shot in the arm for country radio and country in general! This feisty trio could write songs, sing great, played their own instruments with almost virtuosi aplomb and were amazing live performers. On top of all that the front person was fierce, with attitude and a penchant for producing good quotes during interviews! Country did not have a female (or male for that matter) group like them at that time, the fans loved their vibe, their style, their attitude and most of all their songs because the records sold very well, not only in the U.S but also Canada, Europe and Australia territories.
The world tours were massive successes with the fans loving the show, their fashion style was worlds away from how most women in country were dressing and Natalie was the entertaining front person with mischief and sass between songs to keep the crowds entertained.
I was there at Shepherds Bush Empire the night they spoke out against the war and Bush. The band was clear they respected the military, supported troops but not the reasons for the invasion. The concert was fantastic, fun and mischievous as always and many Americans were in the crowd who, without exception, cheered and clapped when she said what was said. Sometime later the whole thing turned crazy and Country radio turned on them in an instant, the Bible belt, rednecks burned posters, CD’s and death threats were sent to concert venues they were next playing at.
Three years into the failed career massacre by the country music crowd they released “Taking the Long Way Round” which won them 5 more Grammy awards. Due to the furore U.S sales were poor but bigger than ever in the other territories and their tours were sell outs, only North America missed out on live dates.
‘Country’ has a history of actively celebrating outspoken male ‘outlaws’ singing songs against establishment but those who control the genre have difficulty allowing women a similar voice.
Sixteen years on country radio still does not play their music but they played the CMA’s last year creating the biggest headlines of the night performing with Beyonce. This year they are on Taylor Swift’s record, the biggest album of this year and already now there is a massive buzz for the new number one album and as soon as covid safe the world tour will no doubt be a huge celebration!
The band is unapologetic, pioneers, outlaws, renegades, innovators, heroes, villains and moms. YES!