Red State backlash hurts Dixie Chicks' Tour

[Janice]

Red state backlash hurts Chicks' tour

LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) -- Country music trio the Dixie Chicks, still taking heat for criticizing U.S. President George W. Bush, are weathering sluggish ticket sales in several cities for their upcoming U.S. tour, industry watchers reported on Thursday.

While early ticket purchases for their first major tour in three years are generally robust in Northeastern cities, initial sales have fallen short of expectations in numerous markets, especially in the Midwest and South, forcing some dates to be scrubbed.

By contrast, the group's latest album, "Taking the Long Way," opened atop the U.S. pop charts last week, selling 526,000 copies during its first seven days and remaining No. 1 in its second week to notch one of the year's strongest debuts.

But with many country music stations denying the Chicks airplay, box office business is off to a slow start in places where the group has sold out in the past, said Gary Bongiovanni, editor of concert industry magazine Pollstar.

According to Pollstar, dates in Memphis, Tennessee, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, and Fresno, California, have been dropped from the tour schedule for now, while box-office sales also were canceled for Houston.
Billboard magazine reported that ticket counts for shows that went on sale last weekend were averaging 5,000 to 6,000 seats per date in major markets, and less in secondary locales. Arena capacities on the tour generally top 15,000.

"Basically, they're having to rethink the entire tour at this point," Bongiovanni told Reuters. "Clearly their problems seem to be strongest in the red states," he said, referring to those areas carried by Bush in the 2004 presidential election.

A key factor in tepid sales was the continuing backlash against the Dixie Chicks by many country music stations over the anti-Bush remarks of lead singer Natalie Maines in 2003.

Publicists for the band declined to comment, as did officials for AEG, one of the companies promoting the tour.

Maines sparked an uproar when she declared during a London concert in March 2003 that the band was embarrassed to come from the same state -- Texas -- as the president. She fanned flames anew by retracting an earlier apology for "disrespecting the office of the president," telling Time magazine in a recent interview: "I don't feel that way anymore. I don't feel he is owed any respect whatsoever."

"Country radio in many places has really closed the door on this group," Bongiovanni said, adding that some stations have not only refused to play the Chicks' music, they have refused advertisements for their tour as well.

Still, ticket sales were strong in cities such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Toronto, where a second October show was added to the schedule after the first concert quickly sold out, he said.

Further complicating the Chicks' commercial outlook has been their recent transformation as a band, Bongiovanni said.

"They've moved away from being a purely country group, so their audience is changing," he said.

Bongiovanni said it was not unusual for concert schedules to be altered after being booked, but he said the Dixie Chicks tour was drawing more attention than usual "because of the politics behind it." After two shows in London this month, the tour was set to begin on July 21 in Detroit.

http://images.clickability.com/pti/spacer.gif
Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/06/09/dixie.chicks.reut/index.html

[Bobby F.]

I just don't understand these fruit-loops. What happened to them was 2 or 3 years ago. Why not let it lie. Instead they come out with a song that stirs up the whole contraversy again. They can't cry because of the way their being treated.

[Janice]

I didn't buy their cd, but I listened to a couple of their songs. It's one big pity party. Six or seven of their songs just bashed Bush or talked about how they were so mistreated.

They need to get over themselves. They're giving interviews, saying they don't want fans that "don't get it". They insult Country music, Reba McIntire, you name it.

It's not even about what happened in 2003 anymore. These broads are just whiners and cheap shot artists. All they've done is alienate their fan base.

[Janice]

http://www.creators.com/0611/gv/gv0612g.gif

[KissMyGrits]

I used to be a Dixie Chicks fan. Until they made that comment. I love country music and I would say that 99.99999% of the country stars support the troops 100%. I love Toby Keith and they way he took on the Dixie Chicks when they made that stupid statement.

I have gotten rid of all of my Dixie Chicks CD's. If I hear them on the radio I change the station. I refuse to give those fruit-loops one more cent of my money!! I would much rather spend my money on Toby Keith. His music is some of the most patriotic music there is!!

[KissMyGrits]

http://www.creators.com/0611/gv/gv0612g.gif
LOL!! Love it!!

[Moonlight Lady]

LOL!

[snl 70s show fan]

maybe it really has nothing to do with the anti bush remarks but maybe the people who used to be fans woke up and figured out that what they were doing was not actully singing but just making a very loud and unnecessary assault on the ears

[Steve M.]

In case you haven't noticed, their latest album is selling very well. It's just that a lot of folks buying it are new to the Chicks and old fans aren't coming back. So it balances out. . . sort of.

[Steve M.]

It makes sense they're beginning their tour in Detroit. Bush is so unpopular there, he was asked not to come to Rosa Parks's funeral!

That's because George Bush doesn't care about black people. Interestingly, neither do the Dixie Chicks. (No hip-hop influence in that group!)

[gilligan fanatic]

That's because George Bush doesn't care about black people. Interestingly, neither do the Dixie Chicks. (No hip-hop influence in that group!)

is that your thoughts or is that what you are saying people in Detroit think? Before I start jumping on you for saying that I want to make sure it's not you saying it.

[Steve M.]

is that your thoughts or is that what you are saying people in Detroit think? Before I start jumping on you for saying that I want to make sure it's not you saying it.


That was actually an obviously failed attempt at humor. :o

[gilligan fanatic]

That was actually an obviously failed attempt at humor. :o

Sorry about that. I was reading to deep into it.

[Janice]

In case you haven't noticed, their latest album is selling very well. It's just that a lot of folks buying it are new to the Chicks and old fans aren't coming back. So it balances out. . . sort of.
Their album is #2 and slipping fast on the charts. I'm not sure they've sold a million yet. If they have, it's not much more than that. Comparatively speaking, their last two albums sold 10 and 12 million copies. Their new album won't touch that.

They've lost a lot of their base by slamming their fans in a Times interview recently. One of their new songs insults Texas. They say they're done with Country, and they're finding out fast that Country fans are more than happy to oblige them.

A lot of the purchases are protest buys from the Bush haters. The Chicks are not their kind of music, but hey, they'll order one off Amazon to make a political statement. They won't, however, plop down $150 or $200 for a couple of concert tickets and actually listen to them. That explains the poor sales for their concert tour.

Here's the Dixie Chick's dilemma. The Blue Staters love the Chick's politics, but don't like their music. The Red Staters love their music but don't like them and their sour attitudes.

They shot themselves in their collective feet. If they had just come back with a fresh start, fans would have welcomed them back. Instead, they came back angry and bitter....giving interviews that criticized their fans, Country music, other Country artists, Texas....their songs whining about their mistreatment.

Most people just want to be entertained and not be subjected to all the BS that the Chicks dish out. Their new songs reflect a victim mentality. They're too in your face. They really should just SHUT UP AND SING.

I think it's too late. Their core audience is mostly gone, and their music doesn't generally appeal to others. I'd be very surprised if they successfully crossover from Country to Pop or Rock or whatever it is that they're aiming for.

Fools. These girls were on top of the world at one time. Selling millions of albums and selling out concert after concert. They blew it.

[Janice]

It makes sense they're beginning their tour in Detroit. Bush is so unpopular there, he was asked not to come to Rosa Parks's funeral!
Bush spoke at Rosa Park's funeral. In fact, someone spoke before him droned about something....Bush, the war...I forget. I just remember that he used Rosa's funeral as a soapbox. I forget the entire controversy. Just another angry liberal who can't contain their bitterness, even at the funeral of a legend.

[James"Thunder"Early]

Nobody tells Toby Keith and all the rest of the ones who put the Republican agenda on the CDs to shut up, I guess then it's okay to make political statement in your CDs.

[Janice]

Nobody tells Toby Keith and all the rest of the ones who put the Republican agenda on the CDs to shut up, I guess then it's okay to make political statement in your CDs.
That's not a fair comparison. Toby Keith didn't criticize the President abroad on the eve of war.

He also didn't apologize to the President, then retract the apology three years later as Natalie Maines of the Ditzy Chicks did. He didn't slam his fan base and tell them he didn't want them as fans anymore. He's not crying the blues in interviews and acting as if he's been victimized.

He didn't put out a CD that's half whining and still bashing the President.

Toby Keith sings Patriotic songs. If that's the Republican agenda to you, so be it.

[Fleet]

That's because George Bush doesn't care about black people.
On what do you base that ridiculous claim?
Or are you just a robot who repeats loony liberal claims?

[James"Thunder"Early]

That's not a fair comparison. Toby Keith didn't criticize the President abroad on the eve of war.

He also didn't apologize to the President, then retract the apology three years later as Natalie Maines of the Ditzy Chicks did. He didn't slam his fan base and tell them he didn't want them as fans anymore. He's not crying the blues in interviews and acting as if he's been victimized.

He didn't put out a CD that's half whining and still bashing the President.

Toby Keith sings Patriotic songs. If that's the Republican agenda to you, so be it.The point I am trying to make is, these people claim not to like political statements in music, but don't complain when the statement is something they like.

[James"Thunder"Early]

On what do you base that ridiculous claim?
Or are you just a robot who repeats loony liberal claims?George Bush doesn't like any group of people that didn't vote for him, end of story.

[Brian]

George Bush doesn't like any group of people that didn't vote for him, end of story.


You keep making these types of statements yet you don't give examples. It's nothing but "So and so doesn't like this group" or "such and such makes bad remarks." If you're going to make these types of statements then you need to back them up.

[Fleet]

George Bush doesn't like any group of people that didn't vote for him, end of story.
And you can show evidence of that, right? :crazy:

Also, why did he appoint more blacks than any other President in history?

[Janice]

The point I am trying to make is, these people claim not to like political statements in music, but don't complain when the statement is something they like.
How is performing songs about supporting our troops a political statement?

It's not as if Toby Keith is slamming Ted Kennedy or other Dems in his songs.

You're making a grossly unfair comparison.

[James"Thunder"Early]

You keep making these types of statements yet you don't give examples. It's nothing but "So and so doesn't like this group" or "such and such makes bad remarks." If you're going to make these types of statements then you need to back them up.Are you not paying attention? He refuses to meet with the NAACP like every other President has for years and years. Is that a good enough example for you?

[James"Thunder"Early]

And you can show evidence of that, right? :crazy:

Also, why did he appoint more blacks than any other President in history?I don't care who he appointed, the fact is politicians tend to not care about groups of people who don't support them, regardless of party. You didn't see Clinton reaching out to people who lean to the right-wing, did you?

[Janice]

Are you not paying attention? He refuses to meet with the NAACP like every other President has for years and years. Is that a good enough example for you?
He meets with many other black organizations. The NAACP knocks the balls off Bush, so he devotes his energy to other black causes group who are civil.

[Janice]

Yeah, but based on their merits or on their race?
Their merits. Have you ever seen the resumes of Colin Powell or Dr. Rice?

[HuntingtonM15]

I've NEVER been a fan of the Dixie Chicks, but I supported them when Natalie made those comments. She had the right to say whatever she wanted to say, and I thought WAY too big of a deal was made out of it. I pretty much remained neutral on my feelings toward them until recently. Basically, country fans had put that behind them and were actually ready to move on. Then they have to come out with "Not Ready to Make Nice." That was the most ridiculous thing they could have done. People forgot about it, and they had to drag it out again. Though, I wasn't actually offended by them until they chose to attack country fans, and arists like Reba. They basically said they don't want fans who have their albums in the same players as the likes of Reba. What gives them the right to think they can pick and choose who gets to be a fan? And THEN they went on Howard Stern and revealed way too much disgusting information, that no one needs to know. They should be ashamed of themselves, especially since they all have young children. I think it was stupid of their tour manager to book arenas for them. They should have went with smaller venues. I could care less what happens to them now, since they brought it all on themselves.

[HuntingtonM15]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_Qd8OeRFA

You gotta love Reba. :D

[Janice]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_Qd8OeRFA

You gotta love Reba. :D
:lol: I've seen that clip.

I just posted another thread with the most recent Dixie Chick's interview. They reveal how upset they were that other singers didn't come to their defense three years ago, when they came under fire.

It makes sense now why they picked on Reba. I mean, who's nicer than Reba? They're angry, and I wouldn't doubt, jealous.

[HuntingtonM15]

:lol: I've seen that clip.

I just posted another thread with the most recent Dixie Chick's interview. They reveal how upset they were that other singers didn't come to their defense three years ago, when they came under fire.

It makes sense now why they picked on Reba. I mean, who is nice than Reba. They're angry, and I wouldn't doubt, jealous.

That answer should be obvious to them. Other singers weren't stupid and didn't want to ruin their careers. :lol:

I also forgot to mention how ridiculous it was of them on whatever magazine cover it was with stuff written on them like, "Saddam's Angels." They are just asking for it.

[KissMyGrits]

Nobody tells Toby Keith and all the rest of the ones who put the Republican agenda on the CDs to shut up, I guess then it's okay to make political statement in your CDs.
For your information Toby Keith happens to be a registered Democrat!! Although his Democratic party is more old school patriotic!!

[Janice]

Michelle Malkin's vent on the Ditzy Twits. Click lower left corner (of Malken photo) to activate.

http://hotair.com/archives/vent/2006/06/19/moonbat-chicks/

[James"Thunder"Early]

For your information Toby Keith happens to be a registered Democrat!! Although his Democratic party is more old school patriotic!!I knew that a long time ago, but it still doesn't change the fact he's pushing a pro-Bush, pro-war message in his music, under premise of supporting the troops.

[Dr. John Becker]

l!

That's because George Bush doesn't care about black people. Interestingly, neither do the Dixie Chicks. (No hip-hop influence in that group!)

Sorry, I've just gotta do this:

:crybaby:

:lol: I couldn't resist.

[Dr. John Becker]

I knew that a long time ago, but it still doesn't change the fact he's pushing a pro-Bush, pro-war message in his music, under premise of supporting the troops.


God forbid someone actually support the troops and the president. What's the world coming to? ;)

[KissMyGrits]

I knew that a long time ago, but it still doesn't change the fact he's pushing a pro-Bush, pro-war message in his music, under premise of supporting the troops.

He has been to Iraq numerous times!! He has written many patriotic songs!! I bet you wouldn't be saying that if it was a Democrat in office and he was singing the same songs and going to Iraq to perform for the troops!

[James"Thunder"Early]

God forbid someone actually support the troops and the president. What's the world coming to? ;)It's fine to support the troops, but anyone supporting a Presidents recklessness is just wrong.

[Dr. John Becker]

It's fine to support the troops, but anyone supporting a Presidents recklessness is just wrong.

The problem is Bush isn't reckless. He's proactive on terrorism, instead of reactive.

[James"Thunder"Early]

He has been to Iraq numerous times!! He has written many patriotic songs!! I bet you wouldn't be saying that if it was a Democrat in office and he was singing the same songs and going to Iraq to perform for the troops!He's still pro-war, as opposed to just supporting the troops. And I don't think Toby Keith would be writing such songs, if there was a Democrat in office during a war.

[James"Thunder"Early]

The problem is Bush isn't reckless. He's proactive on terrorism, instead of reactive.2500 troops and billions of dollars lost on a useless war most certainly reckless. And lets not forget the missed chance before 9/11 to kill Bin Laden and the ignored memo, that's inactive not reactive.

[Dr. John Becker]

2500 troops and billions of dollars lost on a useless war most certainly reckless. And lets not forget the missed chance before 9/11 to kill Bin Laden and the ignored memo, that's inactive not reactive.


Inactive is having the chance to take Bin Laden into custody and turning him down, like Slick Willie.

Also, if the war in Iraq is useless, why do the troops keep returning after their tour is up?

[James"Thunder"Early]

Inactive is having the chance to take Bin Laden into custody and turning him down, like Slick Willie.

Also, if the war in Iraq is useless, why do the troops keep returning after their tour is up?Let's not get into that nonsensical debate again. Just because troops reenlist, does not mean this is a legitimate mission.

[Dr. John Becker]

Let's not get into that nonsensical debate again. Just because troops reenlist, does not mean this is a legitimate mission.

They seem to think it is, so I'll take their words over yours. No offense.

[Fleet]

Sorry, I've just gotta do this:

:crybaby:

:lol: I couldn't resist.
I like how he doesn't back up his wacky claim, so Mr. Thunder has to do it (poorly as it is).

[ABlairican Pie]

I knew that a long time ago, but it still doesn't change the fact he's pushing a pro-Bush, pro-war message in his music, under premise of supporting the troops.So he's a good old Democrat, kind of like Zell Miller? ;)

[dawsongirl]

I didn't buy their cd, but I listened to a couple of their songs. It's one big pity party. Six or seven of their songs just bashed Bush or talked about how they were so mistreated.

They need to get over themselves. They're giving interviews, saying they don't want fans that "don't get it". They insult Country music, Reba McIntire, you name it.

It's not even about what happened in 2003 anymore. These broads are just whiners and cheap shot artists. All they've done is alienate their fan base.

Nice CD. :rolleyes:

I've always thought Natalie Maines was a loud mouth attention whore anyway. She needs to learn to shut up.

[dawsongirl]

maybe it really has nothing to do with the anti bush remarks but maybe the people who used to be fans woke up and figured out that what they were doing was not actully singing but just making a very loud and unnecessary assault on the ears
:lol: Natalie Maines does not have the greatest voice ever...especially when you compare her to other female country artists like Faith Hill.

[dawsongirl]

They reveal how upset they were that other singers didn't come to their defense three years ago, when they came under fire.

Since when was THAT mandetory? OMG...how egotistical of them to even think that!

[James"Thunder"Early]

So he's a good old Democrat, kind of like Zell Miller? ;)No, Zell Miller turned into a nutcase, not a good old Democrat ;)

[Bobby F.]

No, Zell Miller turned into a nutcase, not a good old Democrat ;)


No. He didn't turn into anything. It was the democratic party that did all of the changing. Special interest groups, socialistic ways of thinking, pro-choice....what a great party.:rolleyes:

[Dr. John Becker]

No, Zell Miller turned into a nutcase, not a good old Democrat ;)

Zell Miller came to his senses and learned that the Democrats went too far to the left.

[James"Thunder"Early]

Zell Miller came to his senses and learned that the Democrats went too far to the left.No, he lost his senses and sided with the crackpots. The Democratic Party is not too far left, it's just not crazy like you would like.

[Dr. John Becker]

No, he lost his senses and sided with the crackpots. The Democratic Party is not too far left, it's just not crazy like you would like.

How do I support crazy policies?