Dixie Chicks unaffected

To be brutally honest, there has been no effect, other than the odd phone call to a building inquiring about a refund. There's a lot more noise than action," says Light, head of the music division at...

Whatever Baghdad Bob had, Rob Light caught.

This is the analogy I ALWAYS use when I explain politics to kids who believe that everyone should be "equal". It explains things in a way they can comprehend.

"...The problem is, that is the wrong demographic for their music. They are so screwed...."

I agree. I've thought from the beginning that this whole affair would end up as a classic "textbook" Harvard Business School case on how not to engineer a demographic and radio format "crossover." Quite clearly, the DC's are trying to move beyond the confines of country music into the pop mainstream, including European and other foreign markets. They figured that it wouldn't hurt with these new demos if they let on (wink, wink, nod, nod) that the Chicks are "one of them," which is to say Austin-Texans, not Crawford-Texans: a seemingly good way to break down the cultural barriers between Paris, Texas and Paris, France.

They failed to recognize the power of the web in today's world. It's a global village, baby, and even rednecks in Crawford have access to the net. A celebrity can't break wind in church without the world knowing the gory details by Monday morning. You have to be pretty "slow" to think that as some Wannabe Belinda Carlisle you can slag the president in a time of war before a hostile foreign audience and no one back home will notice.

When the dust settles, they will have lost far more fans through this ham-handed crossover attempt than they will ever gain through a thousand Lipton-subsidized concerts.

Speaking of which, a study of the economics of touring would probably be interesting here. I know nothing about the subject but will pop off anyway.

The DC's management quotes with obvious pride the fact that the Chicks have sold $50mm in tickets. So what?

First, gross ticket sales don't translate into paychecks for the DCs. The venues get a big cut, as does Ticketmaster. The DCs will do well to gross half the box office. The cost of mounting a shed tour are significant. There is a payroll of dozens of people to meet, travel costs, insurance, etc. That doesn't leave much for the "talent."

Why do groups, even as big as the Rolling Stones, need corporate sponsors for their tours? Because the tours are fundamentally money losing endeavors, loss leaders intended to drive the sales of high-margin, over-priced CDs and radio play residuals.

This foolish error by Maines has caused a dramatic drop in CD sales and air play, the real money makers. I have a feeling that the foregoing aren't coming back.

The moral of the story? The Chicks are going to be knocking themselves out doing a 100-city tour for peanuts, while their careers self-immolate before their eyes.

I suggest they contact Lindsay Buckingham fast to buy the rights to a few more Buckingham-Nicks masterpieces if they want to resurrect their shrinking market value.

I hate to prattle on, but long before this embroglio ever happened I was turned off by an asinine statement made by Maines. In conjunction with the release of Landslide she was quoted saying that the Chicks had done more than put their unique stamp on the song, they had (in so many words)improved it. Now, I'm no big fan of Buckingham and Nicks, but geez, they are real, unique talents and the song is beautiful and Stevie's performance is first rate. A third-rate chortler like Maines should know her place in music history and show the appropriate degree of humility befitting her small talents and wide girth.

OK, well now we are getting a little closer to measuring depth of knowledge on the subject, and coming to a point where we can amicably debate this issue.
Country music is generaly understood to have its main support base in blue collar, apolitical-but pro USA people.
Primarily Southern flavored, but spread thoughout the USA, as few other designated music formats fit the described population sector.
It is entirely possible to be a true fan of C&W music, and also enjoy Rock,Jazz,and classical instrumentals.
It is not possible to be a C&W fan, and say nasty things about Toby Keith.(like the DitsyChits did)
It is not possible to build on bluegrass roots, and pander to anti-USA audiences (like the DitsyChits did)
It is not possible to publicly state you are in opposition to every opinion of your primary fan base, and expect to retain "star staus"(like the DitsyChits did)
The DitsyChits just keep on commiting career suicide.I expect their next words of wisdom to be personal slams against Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn.
Perhaps they will take on the Southern Baptists, instead, just to round it all out.
The concert I was going to attend a few months ago are still in my plans.I have just adjusted my plans to the current situation, and will spend a few hours outside the venue,with a large sign of "Hey, just so you all know, I am ashamed the DitsyChits are from the USA" with a boom box playing Toby Keith's "The Angry American" on endless loop, although I may mix it up a bit with "Have you Forgotten".
I know of no planned protests, but I expect I will have some company.
The only other "protest" I have ever participated in was a "support our troops" rally in Florida.I had to drive an hour to get there, and I took Sara with me.I will have to drive an hour for this, and I already have a sitter for the night. Call it petty if you will, but I think it almost as important to stand up against stupidity, as it was to stand up for our troops.I doubt I will feel as happy about it, but I am tired of being the silent majority.

Iranian? No wonder this idiocy is emoting from her mouth!

Yes...all tickets were sold on the SAME DAY to all shows and was before the "comments".

As to their #1 Billboard Album position, these figures also lag some. And don't put it past the record company to buy back CD's through the outlets that report this info.

It's been done before.

From the Dixie Chicks with respect to statements being reported in the British media March 12, 2003 ~

"We've been overseas for several weeks and have been reading and following the news accounts of our governments' position. The anti-American sentiment that has unfolded here is astounding. While we support our troops, there is nothing more frightening than the notion of going to war with Iraq and the prospect of all the innocent lives that will be lost."

Maines further stated, "I feel the President is ignoring the opinions of many in the U.S. and alienating the rest of the world. My comments were made in frustration and one of the privileges of being an American is you are free to voice your own point of view."

Statement from Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks March 14, 2003 ~

"As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect. We are currently in Europe and witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war. While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers' lives are lost. I love my country. I am a proud American."

Dixie Chick Natalie Maines Now Claims Anti-Bush Comment Only A "Joke" April 4, 2003 ~

Dixie Chick Natalie Maines told a New Zealand TV reporter last week that her now-infamous slam at President George W. Bush was a joke. Maines admitted that she told a London concert audience that the group was ashamed that the President is from their home state of Texas, but added, "It was a joke and it wasn't planned. And it was really funny at the time. It got lots of cheers, and that's what it was meant for. You see the trouble that you can get into if you speak religion or politics. It gets people very upset." Maines issued a written apology after making the remark, but some over sensitive U.S. stations continued to ban the Chicks' music. Wonder if they’re still getting lots of play on radio Bagdhad?

"Prouder Than Ever", Maines (Dixie Chick) April 4, 2003 ~

(4/4/03, 7 a.m. ET) -- The Dixie Chicks are expressing concern for their personal safety since singer Natalie Maines uttered the now infamous anti-Bush statement, "We're ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas," to a London audience.

"We've gotten a lot of hate mail, a lot of threatening mail," Martie Maguire told reporters in Australia. "Emily (Robison) had the front gate of her ranch smashed in. We have to have security when we get back to the States. It puts my well-being in jeopardy."

Maines, however, has reacted more flippantly to the situation, according to reports. The singer said, "The more flack I get for it, the prouder I am." She was also quick to point out that in her hometown of Lubbock, Texas, "only six people showed up," for a public Chicks CD-smashing protest.

Maines's comment has also taken its toll on the Dixie Chicks' album sales, which have dropped a reported 52 percent. Despite the dip in sales, the group remains the top-selling country act, with their album Home firmly entrenched in the Number One spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

The Dixie Chicks will kick off their "Top Of The World" tour on May 1 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Below is a the 'canned' response letter from Lipton's Consumer Services Director regarding their sponsorship of the Dixie Chicks:

Dear Consumer,

Thank you for your recent note regarding remarks made by Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks. It is important for us to hear from our consumers and listen to their concerns.

As you can imagine, we did not expect a political controversy to arise when Lipton became a sponsor of the Dixie Chicks upcoming "Top of the World" concert tour. In this time of national crisis, we believe it is important for Americans to come together behind the values of freedom, democracy and tolerance that have made the United States of America into the country it is today.

We have every reason to believe the Dixie Chicks sincerely regret the distress Ms. Maine's comment has caused. In a subsequent statement, she said, "As a concerned American citizen, I apologize to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful. I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect. We are currently in Europe and witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war. While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers' lives are lost. I love my country. I am a proud American."

The Dixie Chicks have in the past shown their love of America in very public ways, such as by singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in January, for an audience of 930 million people worldwide. The strong bond they have forged with the public - country and popular music fans alike - is reflected in part by the People's Choice award they won for "Favorite Musical Group," and the fact that their upcoming tour sold out in record time. The band's popularity and success were further recognized when the Recording Academy awarded the Dixie Chicks four Grammy Awards.

While we respect the right to free speech for all Americans, we believe it is important for artists such as the Dixie Chicks to recognize the impact their points of view can have on their fans, especially in these uncertain times.

We value your comments, and equally, the constructive spirit in which they were offered. Thanks again for your time and for allowing us to clarify the situation. We'll be certain to share your thoughts with the Dixie Chicks.

Sincerely,

Linnea Johnson
Director, Consumer Services

Despite Maines' continued remarks to the contrary, Liptons is satisfied that the 'apology' given closes this matter. If you disagree pressure should probably be applied where it might actually have an impact ~ protests be directed to Lipton's parent company ~ Unilever

FYI from Hoover's Online ~ The Business Information Authority = Unilever

If any one company can move the Earth, it's Unilever. One of the world's largest makers of packaged consumer goods, Unilever offerings range from deodorants, fragrances to frozen foods, margarine, soap, and tea. The company's brand names include Ben & Jerry's, Country Crock, Lever 2000, Lipton, Q-Tips, Slim-Fast, and Wisk. Unilever's purchase of Bestfoods (Hellmann's, Skippy) in 2000 made it one of the world's top food firms. Unilever is whittling its brands down and has split its operations into two global units, separating food and non-food products.

FYI ~ from Unilever's Approach to Social Responsibility:

"Society ~ At Unilever we are committed to the highest standards of corporate behaviour towards our employees, consumers and the societies in which we operate. This is our road to sustainable, profitable growth for our business and long-term value creation for our shareholders and employees.

"For Unilever, corporate social responsibility is an integral part of our operating tradition. It is at the heart of our Corporate Purpose and is reflected in our Code of Business Principles. We believe that these commitments are not just an expression of our values, but that in living them out they
contribute to our success.

A Navy airman wrote 'An Open Letter to the Dixie Chicks.' 15 March 2003

An Open Letter to the Dixie Chicks

Earlier this week, while performing in London, you stated that you were ashamed that our President is from your home state. I wonder if you realized how many Americans would be listening. This American was listening. This Texan is ashamed that you come from my state.

I serve my country as an officer in the United States Navy. Specifically, I fly F-14 Tomcats off carriers around the world, executing the missions that preserve the very freedom you claim to exercise.

I have proudly fought for my country in the skies over Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan without regret. Though I may disagree wholeheartedly with your comments, I will defend to the death your right to say them, in America.

But for you to travel to a foreign land and publicly criticize our Commander in Chief is cowardice behavior. Would you have so willingly made those comments while performing for a patriotic, flag-waving crowd of Texans in Lubbock. I would imagine not.

How dare you pocket profits off songs about soldiers, their deaths and patriotism while criticizing their Commander in Chief abroad, even while they prepare to give their lives to ensure your own freedom of speech.

Please ask yourself, what have you done to deserve that sacrifice? Do not try to justify your comments by claiming that you made them only because you care about innocent lives.

Never once in our history have we committed troops to war for the purpose of taking innocent lives. We do it to protect innocent lives, even yours. If the world leaders of the late 1930's had the vision and courage of our present Commander in Chief, perhaps the evil men who caused the death of millions in WWII would have never had the opportunity to harm a soul.

The potential loss of millions of lives in the future at the hands of today's evil men necessitate action. In a separate correspondence, I am returning to you each and every Dixie Chicks CD and cassette that I have ever purchased.

Never again will I allow my funds to support your behavior. All you have done is to add your name to a growing list of American "Celebrities" who have failed to realize that they have obtained their successes on the backs of the American blue-collar workers such as our servicemen and women.

To Natalie Maines: This Texan -- this American will continue to risk his life to guarantee your freedoms. What will you do to deserve it?

Even prior to the infamous anti-Bush comment in London, The Dixie Chicks publicly criticized the 9-11 rememberance song by Toby Keith, saying that he 'shamed' country music.

Natalie Maines (Dixie Chick member) Bashes Toby Keith's Patriotic Anthem 08-08-2002 ~

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LA Daily News) - ABC News Anchor Peter Jennings is apparently not the only celebrity to take issue with Toby Keith's chart-topping country hit, "Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)." Now, the Dixie Chicks's lead singer, Natalie Maines, freely shares her dislike of the song. "Don't get me started," Maines told the Los Angeles Daily News. "I hate it. It's ignorant, and it makes country music sound ignorant. It targets an entire culture - and not just the bad people who did bad things. You've got to have some tact. Anybody can write, 'We'll put a boot in your ass.' But a lot of people agree with it. The kinds of songs I prefer on the subject are like Bruce Springsteen's new songs."

Keith's spokesperson had "no comment" in response to Maine's quote. In the past, however, Keith has been quick to defend the song, because it was written in tribute to his late father, who served in the Korean war. "That's why I'm so defensive when somebody jumps on that song, you know," said Keith. "You get on that and you just turn into a commie heathen with me."

Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue
(The Angry American)
by Toby Keith Lyrics

American Girls and American Guys
We'll always stand up and salute
We'll always recognize
When we see Old Glory Flying
There's a lot of men dead
So we can sleep in peace at night
When we lay down our head

My daddy served in the army
Where he lost his right eye
But he flew a flag out in our yard
Until the day that he died
He wanted my mother, my brother, my sister and me
To grow up and live happy
In the land of the free.

Now this nation that I love
Has fallen under attack
A mighty sucker punch came flyin' in
From somewhere in the back
Soon as we could see clearly
Through our big black eye
Man, we lit up your world
Like the 4th of July

Hey Uncle Sam
Put your name at the top of his list
And the Statue of Liberty
Started shakin' her fist
And the eagle will fly
Man, it's gonna be hell
When you hear Mother Freedom
Start ringin' her bell
And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you
Brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue

Justice will be served
And the battle will rage
This big dog will fight
When you rattle his cage
And you'll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass
It's the American way

Hey Uncle Sam
Put your name at the top of his list
And the Statue of Liberty
Started shakin' her fist
And the eagle will fly
Man, it's gonna be hell
When you hear Mother Freedom
Start ringin' her bell
And it feels like the whole wide world is raining down on you
Brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue

Who is their new spokesperson Bagdad Bob ?

They are affected. They are apoligising all over the place prior to returning to the USA for tour dates.

They sure as hell lost my money and I was a fan who purchased music and went to concerts.
I thought the National Anthem at the superbowl was one of the best ever.

Guess I could allways steal it off the net just for spite.

Natalie Manes also went to school in Berkley the Lib capital of the planet.

"according to Rob Light, the act's agent"

Now there's an objective source...

Billboard Magazine can say what it likes. All I know is, the Chicks' latest CD is on sale for $3.99 at my local mall near Washington, DC, because they couldn't sell it at the regular price. That says something. The market will speak.

Interesting points, especially on the perils of trying to engineer a crossover that involves a repudiation of a large segment of your demographic support base in the real time, all-the-time world of the web.

I believe that Natalie Maines is too empty-headed to have conceived the public Bush slam; this smacks of a deliberate, calculated strategy hatched by someone who is probably looking for a job now (likely your so-called crossover engineer). Talk about your unintended consequneces. There is going to be a really interesting book that comes out of this.

BTW, I am a pretty big Fleetwood Mac fan, and highly recommend you download the live version of Landslide performed by Stevie Nicks. It is much more earthy than the studio version. It is unlikely that I will ever be able to compare it to whatever the Chicks did with it.

What are they (and others) basing their statements that many, most, etc. of Americans did not support the war with Iraq?

What are they (and others) basing their statements that many, most, etc. of Americans did not support the war with Iraq?

Ignorance? Wishful thinking? Your guess is as good as mine. These unfortunate idiots gleefully pandered to an anti-american crowd and then attempted to excuse their outrageous actions with the "but everyone was doing it, too!" type of rational.

For whatever reason (for a laugh or because it seemed like the 'cool' thing to do at the time or because they meant it from the bottom of their heart) they chose to align themselves with those who hate America.

There are plenty of pro-Bush Texans in country music including:

MOE BANDY - San Antonio, CLINT BLACK - Houston, TRACY BYRD - Vidor, RONNIE DUNN (of Brooks & Dunn) - Coleman, BARBARA MANDRELL - Houston, and LEE ANN WOMACK - Jacksonville-- just for starters.

full list of Texans in country music

"Dixie Chicks unaffected," Sez THEIR AGENT. Uh, huh. Yeah. Right. That's where you go for the straight dope on the downside, to a paid publicist!

and concludes Aug. 4 at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville

I suspect that this tour will conclude long before 8-4. I'll bet those stuck with tickets will only show to BOO. We need a pool to pick which show will be the last:

Dixie Chicks May 1, 2003 Thursday Bi-Lo Center Greenville, South Carolina

Dixie Chicks May 3, 2003 Saturday TD Waterhouse Centre Orlando, Florida

Dixie Chicks May 4, 2003 Sunday Office Depot Center Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Dixie Chicks May 5, 2003 Monday St. Pete Times Forum Tampa, Florida

Dixie Chicks May 7, 2003 Wednesday Thompson/Boling Knoxville, Tennessee

Dixie Chicks May 8, 2003 Thursday Conseco Fieldhouse Indianapolis, Indiana

Dixie Chicks May 10, 2003 Saturday Kemper Arena Kansas City, Missouri

Dixie Chicks May 11, 2003 Sunday Savvis Center Saint Louis, Missouri

Dixie Chicks May 13, 2003 Tuesday Hilton Coliseum Ames, Iowa

Dixie Chicks May 14, 2003 Wednesday Mark of the Quad Cities Moline, Illinois

Dixie Chicks May 16, 2003 Friday BJCC Arena Birmingham, Alabama

Dixie Chicks May 17, 2003 Saturday Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, North Carolina

Dixie Chicks May 18, 2003 Sunday Freedom Hall Louisville, Kentucky

Dixie Chicks May 20, 2003 Tuesday Ford Center-OK Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Dixie Chicks May 21, 2003 Wednesday Erwin Center Austin, Texas

Dixie Chicks May 29, 2003 Thursday United Center Chicago, Illinois

Dixie Chicks May 30, 2003 Friday United Center Chicago, Illinois

Dixie Chicks June 1, 2003 Sunday Gund Arena Cleveland, Ohio

Dixie Chicks June 2, 2003 Monday Palace Of Auburn Hills Auburn Hills, Michigan

Dixie Chicks June 3, 2003 Tuesday Palace Of Auburn Hills Auburn Hills, Michigan

Dixie Chicks June 5, 2003 Thursday Bradley Center Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Dixie Chicks June 6, 2003 Friday Xcel Energy Center Saint Paul, Minnesota

Dixie Chicks June 7, 2003 Saturday Xcel Energy Center Saint Paul, Minnesota

Dixie Chicks June 9, 2003 Monday U.S. Bank Arena Cincinnati, Ohio

Dixie Chicks June 10, 2003 Tuesday Nationwide Arena Columbus, Ohio

Dixie Chicks June 12, 2003 Thursday Air Canada Centre Toronto, Ontario

Dixie Chicks June 13, 2003 Friday HSBC Arena Buffalo, New York

Dixie Chicks June 14, 2003 Saturday Mellon Arena Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Dixie Chicks June 16, 2003 Monday First Union Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dixie Chicks June 17, 2003 Tuesday First Union Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dixie Chicks June 19, 2003 Thursday Fleetcenter Boston, Massachusetts

Dixie Chicks June 20, 2003 Friday Madison Square Garden New York, New York

Dixie Chicks June 21, 2003 Saturday Madison Square Garden New York, New York

Dixie Chicks June 23, 2003 Monday Nassau Coliseum Uniondale, New York

Dixie Chicks June 25, 2003 Wednesday MCI Center Washington, District of Columbia

Dixie Chicks June 26, 2003 Thursday MCI Center Washington, District of Columbia

Dixie Chicks June 27, 2003 Friday Pepsi Arena Albany, New York

Dixie Chicks July 6, 2003 Sunday American Airlines Center - TX Dallas, Texas

Dixie Chicks July 8, 2003 Tuesday Pepsi Center Denver, Colorado

Dixie Chicks July 9, 2003 Wednesday Delta Center Salt Lake City, Utah

Dixie Chicks July 11, 2003 Friday General Motors Place Vancouver, British Columbia

Dixie Chicks July 12, 2003 Saturday Key Arena Seattle, Washington

Dixie Chicks July 13, 2003 Sunday Rose Garden Portland, Oregon

Dixie Chicks July 15, 2003 Tuesday Oakland Arena Oakland, California

Dixie Chicks July 16, 2003 Wednesday HP Pavilion at San Jose San Jose, California

Dixie Chicks July 17, 2003 Thursday Arco Arena Sacramento, California

Dixie Chicks July 19, 2003 Saturday Staples Center Los Angeles, California

Dixie Chicks July 20, 2003 Sunday Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim Anaheim, California

Dixie Chicks July 21, 2003 Monday Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim Anaheim, California

Dixie Chicks July 23, 2003 Wednesday Cox Arena San Diego, California

Dixie Chicks July 25, 2003 Friday America West Arena Phoenix, Arizona

Dixie Chicks July 26, 2003 Saturday MGM Grand Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada

Dixie Chicks July 27, 2003 Sunday MGM Grand Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada

Dixie Chicks July 29, 2003 Tuesday SBC Center San Antonio, Texas

Dixie Chicks July 30, 2003 Wednesday Compaq Center-TX Houston, Texas

Dixie Chicks August 1, 2003 Friday Alltel Arena North Little Rock, Arkansas

Dixie Chicks August 2, 2003 Saturday Pyramid Arena Memphis, Tennessee

Dixie Chicks August 3, 2003 Sunday Philips Arena Atlanta, Georgia

Dixie Chicks August 4, 2003 Monday Gaylord Entertainment Center

Thanks for the link! The Derailers are great,too. I think they are from Texas. They remind me of Buck Owens music for some reason.

I can't believe you guys are surprised by this.

Most people are not as political as you'd think, especially fans of the Dixie Chicks. Some of the greatest artists, musicians and creative types have also been some real jerks. Some have actually been insane or done much worse things than the Dixie Chicks' remarks. Does this mean we cannot appreciate their music or art? Seperate the artist from the personality. This doesn't mean we shouldn't criticize the Dixie Chicks, just that it doesn't neccessarily translate into boycotting them.