Rugged Stuff
The Dixie Chicks Have Flown the Coop
By R. Keith Rugg, 6-05-09
 Radar? We don't need no stinking radar! |
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Back in November, I stated that “…the Dixie Chicks seem to have dropped entirely off the radar…” and there were a couple of outraged comments arguing with me. Red Dancer said “The Dixie Chicks are pretty far from being off the radar. Your radar must be off.” And renee asserted that “the dixie chicks haven’t fallen off the radar. Maybe in country music radio which still refuses to play them, but they’ve crossed over to pop where there [sic] old and new fans still support them very well.”
Now, I know that this brave new world of citizen journalism is more about opinion and off-the-cuff blog comments than it is about the facts of any given subject, but I’ve just got to ask- What’s your proof? Where’s your evidence? And what the hell are you talking about?
The Dixie Chicks picked up a batch of 2007 Grammys. And then what?
Let’s see…
October 2008, Dixie Chick Emily Robison divorces.
November 2008, Dixie Chick Natalie Mains and the other members of the group are slapped with a defamation suit. Anything I say about this situation, somebody will get their back up about it, so just look it up yourself.
December 2008, the Dixie Chicks are among the artists participating in the World AIDS Day launch of exclusive new songs.
January 2009, Dixie Chick Martie Maguire reported to be working on a fiddle album.
Gosh, it looks as if my old research buddy, Mr. Google, is kind of falling down on the job here. He’s not picking up much on the radar at all about the Dixie Chicks over the past year. But don’t worry- we’ll just pop over to the Dixie Chicks’ official website to see what Red Dancer and renee must have been referring to. It’s located at www.dixiechicks.com. Come on, open up a new tab in your browser and let’s explore the site together!
Hmmmmmm….. what have we got here? Okay, nice front page, nice photo of the Dixie Chicks. Let’s click on the tabs down the side.
Here’s one called “The Latest” Click on it and… hmmm, it links to a blank page.
Well, let’s try the “Tour” tab. Ah, wow, looks as if they’ve got a lot of dates lined up! Looks as if they are booked solid from July through December… Only about half of the shows are scheduled for venues in the United States, though… WHOOPS! This is the tour schedule for 2006! Oh, here we go, the fine print at the top of the page reads “Dixie Chicks are not on tour at this time. New tour information will be posted as it becomes available.” I guess it’s good to see where we COULD have seen then perform if it were still the year 2006. I guess.
There are some other tabs with some real info on the pages. Bios of the band members, reference info on the Dixie Chicks singles and albums up to 2003. Photos. Ah, but here is the tab I usually go to right off the bat on any entertainer’s site… the “Press” page.
Click on it… and… whoa. This one doesn’t just open to a blank page; this link kicks me right to a “404 Not Found” browser error. The press page just doesn’t exist.
Okay, let’s try one last link on the front page of the Dixie Chicks website. The large graphic in the center of the front page says “Dixie Chicks Underground.” And it leads to… a Dixie Chicks blog. It says I’m visitor number 39. And today’s entry- I kid you not, I’m not joking and I’m not making this up- the entry for today, June 4, 2009, is “I saw a squirrel in a tree … and now I feel confused. LOL.”
***
Yes, I know that this horse is dead, and that I’ve gone waaay beyond beating it. It’s more like I hung its body up from the rafters in my garage and have been using it to hone my boxing skills for my upcoming match with Apollo Creed. And I know very well that an out-of-date website doesn’t absolutely determine an entertainer’s level of activity. But the point being made- and I do believe that it really and truly has been made- is that THE DIXIE CHICKS HAVE DROPPED OFF THE RADAR. PERIOD.
If you’ve got any real info to the contrary, just let me know. If you can hook me up with anything real, I promise to re-visit the subject and point out whatever great Dixie Chick work or project I missed, and confess to all the world just how wrong I was. Bring it on.
What a wasted story. Don't you have anything better to do with your time?
Comment By R. Keith Rugg, 6-05-09So... in other words... you DON'T have anything to refute my assertions regarding the Dixie Chicks.
Comment By Tori Jones, 6-05-09"Marginally talented country pop band." Clearly, you wouldn't know talent and artistry if it hit you in the face. These 'CHICKS' are one of the best singer/performers out there -- EVER, so just SHUT UP already! Let me guess...you're a pissed off republican? She used her freedom of speech and called out out former president like she saw it and she was SPOT ON! For that I respect and applaud her!
PS For what it's worth, I am a republican!
Well--it appears that you are right. The Dixie Chicks seem to have dropped off the radar screen. My guess is that the defamation suit caused them to flick it in and go their separate ways. Frivolous slap suits by vicious, meanspirited people tend to have a chilling effect on anyone...
Too bad; they were a great band, with both talent and guts. And of course they were entirely right about Bush and his blatant lies and horrendous crimes against Humanity!
I will miss them enormously, but at least we still have their music. I hope that Natalie, at least, reappears as a solo artist.
Cut them some slack..it takes a long time to release albums when they have to outsource the talent portion of it. :snickerin:
Comment By Kitty, 6-05-09Good one, CashmereCowgirl! :~)
...
You know? I just realized this..... They released "Taking the Long Way" 3 years after the Bush Remark, and now it has been 3 years since "Taking the Long Way" I do think that there will be another album sometime cause they have waited a little while between their albums anyway. It will probably be a big comeback again that sends them straight back to #1 for the first time since 2006. But they might have broke up? Who knows? I would like to find out however.
Comment By *Tiffany*-Ohio, 6-05-09So yea maybe the Chicks have fallen off the radar temporarily...but they aren't the kind of artists who release 3 albums a year and another year long tour. They have famililies, young children, and personal stuff to deal with. Give them some room to breath...They are all going through stuff. Who knows what's next for them, have we ever been able to predict what comes next from them? no, we haven't. And by the way radio stations have been playing the Chicks music ever since they came to their senses and realized "Hey that Dixie Chick was right from the start." Now that makes me a proud Chicks fan. If Nat goes solo, it'd be awesome, but no offense to her....she needs Martie and Emily, it just would not be the same without the harmonies, I know when I perform their songs, they just are not the same without the harmonies...
The Chicks are on another hiatus, they will be back at least one more time...Let them get their lives back in order.
Whatever happens next fromt these ladies, we will not be disappointed...
In the last few years they did an enormous world tour... they've had more babies... Emily and Martie were both working with Dan Hill... Shut Up And Sing was premiering around the planet... and much, much more. There has been plenty of activity from the girls and I am no expert, but even I know that! They are all mums and have children to care for so please Americans leave the Dixie Chicks alone to live their lives. Cant you people ever let them be?? Of course their website is barren!! YOUR COUNTRY attacked them viciously for saying virtually nothing. YOUR COUNTRY RADIO and radio supporters turned their backs on them... the biggest selling female band of all time of any genre... Why are you surprised? YOUR COUNTRY and political leaders called them bimbos, traitors and much more... why are you surprised that they are not waiting for you to look them up?
CashmereCowgirl, why do you post nasty remarks from the safety of your pc? The Dixie Chicks are talented, gorgeous girls and dont deserve your remarks. It is ridiculous that YOUR COUNTRY attacked them for speaking out, yet so many of you have had something to say about it online and at other forums. Why can you speak out, but they cant? Get some original thoughts and comments and let the past be the past.
I can count on one hand the number of artists who have been put through an enormous shit storm like the Chicks did after Natalie's comment about Bush. Jerry Lee Lewis when he married his cousin. Chuck Berry when he violated the Mann Act. Their careers recovered, but they will be forever linked with those episodes in their lives.
The Chicks are talented, driven women who are dealing with divorces, children, legal and artistic struggles, etc. After being dumped on by their "fans" simply be speaking honestly, who could blame them for needing some distance? I don't really care how long it takes them to record another album. I just know I'll be in line to buy it.
Oh, and I find it interesting that the conservatives who so enjoy sniping on this website feel compelled to declare the Chicks a no-talent band simply because they disagree with their politics. Typical sweeping generalization from these hateful people. God, life is so simple when you're a conservative.
They sing fine, Bob. Other than that, their politics reek. The issue is I'm not the only one of zillions of former fans not interested in supporting their celebrity with my ears any more.
Comment By Kitty, 6-07-09Sorry, Bob, but the Chicks asked for it. It was a dumb career move on their part.
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I wouldn't blame them for just bagging it. They were treated with disrespect and hate over an honest assessment of how they felt about the path our country was taking at the time. They are beautiful talented women and what ever path they decide to take they will succeed. I,for one, will always buy their albums and support them anyway I am able to.
Comment By CashmereCowgirl, 6-08-09hey sue, they prostituted their art for cheap applause. they get what they got they coming and they get it in spades.
speaking of beautiful..have you seen that fow cows natalie pic up on tmz today? for the love of all things holy..put some clothes on! GROSS!
Were the Dixie Chicks talented? Yes.
Were they stupid for what they did? Yes.
Did they have the freedom to say what they said? Absolutely.
Do their fans have to spend their money on them if they disagree with their views? Absolutely not.
Will they ever be back on country radio? Doubtful.
Now if the conservative movement can be as successful at the voting booth as they are with causes like this, we wouldn't be mortgaging our future right now.
hey CashmereCow -
You're comments aren't noteworthy. Speak english much?
I think the Dixie Chicks, and by extension this blog, for exceeds your IQ (um, Intelligence Quotient). If you're too lazy or too stupid to blog -- than do us all a favor and don't blog at all.
I'm just saying...
Oh COME ON!! Cashmere Cowgirl... stop it already! Let it go.
For those of us who have the absolute privilege of living in countries where we have freedom of speech... those of us who are blessed in countries like America and Australia, it is an absolute abuse of this privilege to speak like children and call people (especially ones who we dont know personally) degrading names.
IF YOU DONT LIKE THE DIXIE CHICKS THEN DONT LOOK THEM UP ON TMZ, THIS WEBSITE OR ANY OTHERS!!!! Gosh, for someone who doesnt like them you seem to be all over them on the web.
Build your bridge and move along... how can you STILL resent these beautiful gals? Natalie Maines is stunning, as are the Martie and Emily. Sometimes the things we dont like in others are the very things we dislike in ourselves... I suggest you look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are a good person in your heart.
Leave the Dixie Chicks alone. They are awesome.
DIXIE CHICKS ROCK THE WORLD!!
"I think the Dixie Chicks, and by extension this blog, for exceeds your IQ "
for exceeds? wtf is for exceeds?
brilliant. just brilliant. way to put me in my place braniac. :rolling eyes:
" it is an absolute abuse of this privilege to speak like children and call people (especially ones who we dont know personally) degrading names."
oh really, does that include fatalie means, because she spent an entire tour making desparaging remarks against a litany of people whome she only wishes she knew personally. spare me your faux outrage.
WHOA, hold up!!! Let's go back to the first post after my initial reply on this posting... Tori Jones APPARENTLY quotes ME as calling the Dixie Chicks a "Marginally talented country pop band."
What in the everloving world are you TALKING ABOUT? When did I ever make this judgement call on the Chicks?
Never, that's when. I happen to think that they are incredibly talented, and I really liked them, up until they forgot that they are entertainers, instead of political pundits.
And I STILL haven't seen anything here to refute the fact that they dropped off the radar... whether you hate 'em or love 'em, that hasn't changed, and THAT's the point I was making.
Interesting blog Keith...
I, too, wondered what happened to the Dixie Chicks as they have disappeared completely from the radar. Clearly, by vocalizing their disdain over Bush tactics and policies they ruffled a few feathers along the way...
One has to speculate if it had been 'just' another band from another genre (besides Country) would they have been so ridiculed and hated for speaking their mind!?
Keith: I can see how some folks might confuse you as the ONE quoted as referring to them as 'marginally talented'. I think a wiki site made the actual reference but your site is listed with a link to this Dixi Chicks blog.
Peace all.
You want to know what happened to thier airplay...this is what happened.
http://pdf.rronline.com/Cou/COU-20060619-3150.pdf
And now you know the rest of the story.
Yeah, if only they had done a cover of "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" from Cabaret they'd be in fine with all their country music fans.
Comment By mememe, 6-09-09Does anyone know if they are still under contract? Do they owe anymore work to the music company? If so, we'll hear from them again. Every good reporter knows you should check all the facts.
Comment By Bill Croke, 6-09-09Bob Wire, What are you doing here? You're suppose to be on bong patrol with the Deadheads. Let me tell you who the Chicks are. As far as talent and deep roots go, think Donnie and Marie or the Cowsills or the Monkees. A photogenic hot chicks pop culture thing with bluegrass instruments and lots of connections in the business thanks to Natalies father, Lloyd Maines. As for the infamous Bush comment, what a brain Natalie Maines must have. As if all their record sales were happening in New York, Boston, LA, and not Dallas, Atlanta, Birmingham, and Houston. What a dummy. Not you, Bob. Natalie. Anyway, there's some good old fashioned hateful conservative music criticism for you. Back to your Long Strange Trip.
Comment By Rhiana, 6-11-09Being embarrased of sharing the home state of a self-proven moron (Bush) is NOT a political statement. Everyone who believes they wanted to be involved in politics instead of creating and performing great music is grasping at straws. Natalie made ONE initial comment before being attacked by the fanantical, uneducated conservative base of America - most of whom when asked really had no idea what she said. Morons follow morons because it is the only thing they know how to do. I did my research here for all of you. Definition of a moron: Noun - a person who is notably stupid or lacking in good judgment. Hmmmm....sounds like someone who just moved back to Texas to me! :)
As far as the future of the Dixie Chicks I hope they keep creating great music and continue to flip off the very people who drug them into the political arena to begin with.
"Morons follow morons"
Which explains why you are such an avid fan.
So CashmereCowgirl, why are you following this blog?
Comment By walter keffer, 6-12-09The "Chick's" not only disgraced the president's office but, also the countless veterans who fought and died for their right to be be obnoxious and disrespectful and unpatriotic. I would love to execise my right to free speech regarding them. But I have the restraint and common sense they don't.
Comment By Terri Smith, 6-12-09Willing to bet that CashmereCow = walter keffer. English/grammer (or lack thereof) identical.
Comment By *Tiffany*-Ohio, 6-14-09I agree with Rhiana, the ones who hate the Chicks have no idea what Natalie said...can anyone on here that has a dislike for the Chicks, particularly Natalie, tell me her EXACT words that were said? No looking it up, and tell me what was said before the initial remark, because what the news reported was not the whole thing. I could tell you right now, the date, the place and the whole sentence she said. I am a hardcore Chicks fan, a Chicks fan till I die. Music is music, and they can really play it, there's no doubt about it. There will be more music from them, they are just sorting things out, and getting things together. For peatsake you saw Natalie on the TMZ site on a run, she usually runs on the treadmill, I think she's trying to tell everyone something. She's getting ready to be back out there, of course it could be a while, but I have faith in them. They have faith in all of us to stay true to them and their music, and they will stay true to us. (And when I say US I mean her fans)
And someone wrote something and went YOUR COUNTRY this YOUR COUNTRY that...don't blame it on the country, every country is different, the U.S just happens to have freedom of speech which means Natalie can say what she wants and everyone else can copy each other and say the same thing, even if they weren't a Chicks fan to begin with and probably had no idea who she was until "the incident." And even if they didn't believe it. The U.S is a great country and fortunately right now there is a better president now, and I know almost 95% of the U.S. knows that Bush did nothing good to this nation. Even though the Chicks were the first to say it, and a lot of people forgave them, I know it, cuz back here in the States where I live their music is in rotation with everything else, their music is great, and you just can't help but listen. I hope one day the haters out there will set aside the political views and just listen and appreciate the music, you know you aren't even as half as talented as they are.
I managed to set aside my dislike for Toby, because he does have some good music,I don't like all of it, but I do like a song here and there.
Leave the Chicks be! They will be back! That was not a farewell tour in 2006 that was just the beginning...
I'm pretty sure that blog is a joke. Why do you think it's relatively hidden? Click on the tabs on the bottom and it leads to a lot of interesting little tidbits, interviews, some weird stuff, but the "blog" seems to be poking fun at themselves.
If you listen to the interviews on the television tab, they admit to taking a long time to get their songs just right. Sure, they're off the radar at the moment, but I'm inclined to believe it's their choice. I don't know what they're doing right now (I could guess, seeing as how they all have little kids), but you can bet they'll be back eventually with some kick-a** new music that they took their time to perfect.
And just to follow up - I've looked through it more and YES, that blog is definitely a joke!
That whole part of their site is really hilarious and full of jokes, but it's not even a real blog that you can scroll through! Why would you quote something to back up your argument and not even check to see whether the quote is real? That's bad reporting.
That being said, check out their "hidden" site, it's fun! You'll see what the "blog" posting about the squirrel is referring to! These awesome ladies are edgier than the public even knows!
I totally agree with Sensible Chick... the Dixie Chicks website really is just a big joke.
Comment By Sensible Chick, 6-17-09Well, you're the one who didn't get it.
Comment By Robert, 7-01-09Good riddance to them. Since they hate America so much (they should love Obama's Amerikka) they may want to relocate to perhaps, Iran or another country where their views are sure to be appreciated.
They do suck.
I work as a home health aide for an older gentleman who lives in a disabled/old folks apartment complex (in Ohio). Today, when I was looking at his monthly menu and calendar of "events" (bingo, hot dog dinner etc.) at the bottom it said that the Dixie Chicks date would be announced and signs would be posted (forget the exact words)...now, I just couldn't believe it, but that's what it says. I haven't seen any signs posted yet.........
Comment By Nestor Diaz-Green, 7-16-09Wow, some people just can't let go. The Dixie Chicks have become radio poison and WEREN"T BIG ENOUGH for the record company's to save with their armies of manager's, handler's, lawyer's and body guards. Face it people, unless the likes of David Geffin can pull a few #1 hits out of their next album, the Dixie Chicks are done.
Comment By *Tiffany*, 7-16-09Not big enough?! Seriously? (He Dixie Chicks were n still are bigger than big! If they weren't big enough how do u explain the 13 Grammy Awards and the countless other awards? Not to mention their tours being sold out with the exception of the on in 2006 but even sum of those sold out and they weren't playing to empty arenas they were still very close to being sold out!
So I don't even wanna hear that they aren't big enough that is BS u try making albums, raising a family, going on tour, charity work, and countless other events while always keeping the fans in mind. The Chicks r plenty big and will be back soon u haven't seen the last of them yet!
I have to completely agree with the author, I was doing a "whatever happened to those morons" websearch for a couple of hours when I came across this site and I have to say they have gone from major arena to practically school gymnasiums in order to accomplish a "sellout" of a concert date. A Grammy is not based on anything other than a small sect of clowns, not popular opinion. You can have your fireplace dotted with them but they wont pay your bills. I remember when they first mooned America and liberals were defending them, saying how they were going to go out and buy their entire catalogs of CDs. Well, their incomes have been sliced by about 80% by the looks of it and the liberals lip service didn't pay any of their bills. The Dixie Chicks are history, the term dixie chicked is a reminder to artists to shut up and sing, if we wanted the political opinion of some braindead 9th grade dropout like Cher we would ask for it. Too stupid to even realize it the chicks bit the hand that fed them.
Natalie said Bush is an idiot...but the painfully obvious truth is that Natalie is an idiot and her idiotic comments absolutely ruined their skyrocketing careers.
Well, Ben, if everything you said is true, why on earth did you let them occupy your mind for "a couple of hours?" Sounds like they aren't worth a second of your precious conservative time, so don't waste hours trying to find out what happened to them. Go volunteer for your braindead political party and try to get them back on some sort of track.
Comment By Ben, 7-20-09Everything I said in my post is true, you know it, I know it, but far and away most importantly, the Dixie Chicks know it. I was getting my jollies re-reading how Natalie tried damage control early on after the gaffe....to no avail.
Yes, yes...I have to admit, I have enjoyed watching them twitch in the wind even more than reading their defenders pathetic attempts to underplay what lamebrains they really are.
The few hours it takes every so often to keep tabs on what the morons are up to now are well worth it to me. I love a good train wreck, and the Dixie Chicks are a collossal train wreck. No survivors.
I bet you were one of those with the empty promises about buying their entire catalog...weren't cha?
You'd best get to the store and support your Chicks quick, they need your cash now more than ever before....because as much as your continued lip service may make them feel a little bit less stupid....empty words simply won't cut it when Obama sneaks up behind them and assaults them for your next to worthless yet somehow still seriously overpriced gov. ran health insurance plan.
I wonder how big of fans they will be of his then?
Well, I don't recall anyone ever saying that brains were their "long suit" ;)
For what it's worth, I have loved the Dixie Chicks for a long time. And I still remember how exciting 2006 was with the release of "Taking The Long Way". I think they're one of the best bands around. I like that they're all musically talented, creative & curious to explore that creativity. As a musician myself, that resonates with me.
Anyway, it's clear I'm a fan. But I entirely agree with the assertion that the Dixie Chicks appear to have completely dropped off the face of the earth as a band...and it sucks!
I've seen this happen with at least one other large band before - this odd lapse into disconnected silence. It's incredibly frustrating when there's no official word on the future of a band that you love...or any way to get official word. You check the official website, the MySpace, the wikipedia articles...you Google...all in vain. Years roll by without a statement. It really, really sucks. Not even knowing if they're still together as a band, or broken up. (Goodness forbid any breakup, yoy!)
Anyway, so yeah - I'm with you, Keith, and thanks for raising the issue. The Chicks have indeed been running silent for quite some time now. As a fan of the Dixie Chicks, I'd just like to know what's going on with them and what's on the horizon for them as a band. :)
I found out about these women, and what happened to them because of a comedy sketch! I must say that I find the reactions of the majority of their countrymen and women appalling to say the least. Any idiot who heard what that megalomaniac said in all his press conferences leading up to his election should have supported these women wholeheartedly, but I guess wisdom is not really this country's strong point, nor the world for that matter, for alas, the fool was re-elected for another term! I'm sorry, but either your nation is generally evil, and loves the destruction of lives and the reputation of the truly innocent, or it is generally a bunch of mindless dolts! I don't have to be a fan to see that!
Comment By R Keith Rugg, 9-01-09Hey Adamant,
Come on over, and I'll treat you to some Toby Keith hospitality... and put a boot in your ass.
(Chuckle) Well Thanks for making me more believe the point I just made Mr. Keith. Land of the "free" indeed! Oh, and your "tough-acting" makes me laugh, but I'd prefer to post my real name and address so you can come to carry out your threats, so here it is; it's Adam West and I currently reside at 2080 Barnes Ave Bronx, NY. Come get me LOL! (shakes head in disgust)
Comment By R Keith Rugg, 9-01-09Adam-
Point No. 1: Big deal, I post my real name on every comment I make.
Point B: It's a reference to the Toby Keith / Dixie Chicks spat that started the entire thread (like months ago, btw, why the hell are you posting to it now?)
And thirdly: I guess there's no room for my boot, what with your head already up there, and all...
There all dirty legs anyway!!!! Thank god there gone................
Comment By Evelyn Anderson, 11-01-09I am still amazed at how stupid most people are. I mean, this is America and we have the right to Freedom of Speech. Just like your article slamming the Dixie Chicks. You have the right to do that but God save the Chicks for what they said. Perhaps if we had the common sense to just realize that and also realize that the power of talent that comes from The Dixie Chicks inspired so many fans. How is it that some people in this country get "a fresh new start" or "forgiven" yet others are nailed to the sacrificial cross? Can you google that Mr. Rugg? Use your influence to inspire a positive motion in life, not the trip you're on.
Comment By Linda from Maine USA, 11-06-09Recently I have been listening to the Dixie Chicks CD that I have (just 1). They're good-they're sharing their emotions and life experiences through their music (that's what artists do right). I am saddened that we as Americans talk of equality and free speech--so often it is just talk-actions not realized. I am proud of them and because of that went looking for (and hoping) a new CD. I, for one, celebrate their, and my, independence and freedom.
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