posted on September 23, 2003 08:17:24 AM newWell just take your toys home and don't come back............
Dixie Chicks to Leave Country Music Over Reaction to Remarks
By Jimmy Moore
Talon News
September 23, 2003
NASHVILLE (Talon News) -- Fresh off their "Top of the World" European tour, the Dixie Chicks announced Monday that they no longer want to be considered a country music band because of the backlash they endured from country music fans after members of the group made outspoken remarks on foreign soil against President George W. Bush as well as Republican California recall candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"We don't feel part of the country scene any longer, it can't be our home any more," said Dixie Chicks violinist Martie Maguire. Ironically, Maguire had been the only member of the Dixie Chicks who has not made any public political statements.
Maguire told Spiegel magazine that the group was very disappointed with the lack of support they received from other country music artists earlier this year after lead singer Natalie Maines told a London audience, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas."
Soon thereafter, the group stirred up more controversy by agreeing to pose nude on the cover of Entertainment Weekly with strategically placed words and phrases that had been said about them.
Then, earlier this month, Talon News reported that Dixie Chicks banjo player Emily Robison, again on foreign soil, was critical of Arnold Schwarzenegger's run for governor in California.
"He (Schwarzenegger) is a great film star," Robison told a German newspaper. "But I find his idea to run for governor absolutely insane."
"America should be governed by people who have a clue. I hope he doesn't win," Robison added.
Maguire said that the group has not seen an outpouring of support from artists in the country music industry, but rather, the support has come from rock and roll artists.
"A few weeks ago, Merle Haggard said a couple of nice words about us, but that was it," Maguire said. "The support we got came from others, like Bruce Springsteen."
The once-popular country music superstars were unable to garner any honors at this year's Country Music Awards, where the mention of the Dixie Chicks was greeted with boos from the audience.
Maguire claims this is what has forced the group to officially leave country music and pursue future music interests in the pop/rock genre.
"We won three Grammys against much stronger competition," bragged Maguire. "So we now consider ourselves part of the big rock 'n' roll family."
The group is still scheduled to travel to Australia from September 28 through Oct. 4. The band then heads back to the United States on October 12 for a concert on behalf of the Recording Artists Coalition in Washington, DC.
posted on September 23, 2003 01:30:14 PM new
It happens here too and it's a turn-off. I don't mind hearing other people's political views, but I think entertainers should keep their views to themselves, unless asked. There's nothing stupider than going to a concert and listening to a 5 minute p.o.v. speech on how Bush behaves or how bad some new law is, etc. Notice how their big political statements are only about whatever flavour-of-the-month news story is popular at the time? Give me a break from politics and entertain me - that's what I paid the big bucks for!
posted on September 23, 2003 09:36:57 PM new
They're babes and all but their country music all sounds exactly the same and it's horrible.
Maybe they can become a successful polka band in Wisconsin!
-------------- sig file ----------- Most costume jewelry is unsigned. After all, the vast majority of it was made to be worn a few times, then discarded. It wasn't made to be durable. --- The Fluffster
posted on September 24, 2003 05:47:36 PM new
The problem about people who preach from a notoriety arrived at by entertaining people is that they are usually as dumb as fence posts.
It would be funny if the next time the DC were on Leno he did his bit where he walks up to people on the street and asks:
1) Who did we fight in WWII?
2) Who is the Vice President?
3) How many branches are in the government?
I'm sure Natalie and the girls would really wow the audience.
