Dixie Chicks unaffected

Billboard.com ^ | 4/21/03 | Ray Waddell

[Childseyes]

Chicks Tixs Going Quick Despite Bush Controversy

Despite some backlash at radio and retail for negative comments about President Bush, the Dixie Chicks are flying high in preparation for their upcoming arena tour, according to Rob Light, the act's agent. He says that of 59 shows, only six have seats left, and those are all 85%-90% sold out and expected to go clean.

"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 Creative Artists Agency. "Actually, the buildings are getting more [callers] asking, if there are refunds, can they buy the tickets." Light says there are no refunds.

The tour, sponsored by Lipton, kicks off May 1 at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, S.C., and concludes Aug. 4 at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville. Joan Osborne supports on the first leg; Michelle Branch on the second.

The Chicks' March 1 national on-sale moved 867,000 tickets worth $49 million at the box office during one weekend.

-- Ray Waddell, Nashville

[ewing]

The only thing that you can do if you bought the tickets by credit card is to say that you never recieved the tickets and mark the 'return to sender' when they come in the mail and get the credit card charges back.

[Lady Eileen]

I believe that the tickets were sold before the stupid comments were made.

You are right......most people would not have bought tickets if they had realized earlier they were buying tickets from Frenchhens in Dixiechicks clothing.

[AmishDude]

It seems as if a lot of Dix Chix Tix for sale at Ebay. I'm not an Ebay afficionado, but this seems like a lot of tickets up for sale. The Austin tickets are not getting any bids.

[T Lady]

Good Liberal spin. Just to encourage folks to still buy tickets. I won't anyway, since I don't listen to them.

-Regards, T.

[niteowl77]

"I'm tellin' ya, those right-wing fascists never laid a glove on 'em!"

I used to whistle past the cemetery too, buddy. Sorry, but I know too many country music fans who just won't be supporting the Dixie Chicks in any way. Their country act was wearing thin enough without Natalie's outburst, so by all means declare a victory and move on to a well-deserved cross-over status.

But always remember to say you're sorry - and really mean it - when you come back once the city folks are done with you.

[baseballfanjm]

Just to say, the tickets went on sale about three weeks before the comments. A week before the comments I was looking for some for when they come to Boston, and they were sold out completely.

[THX 1138]

...and other "sophisticated" types who most likely influenced their thinking. They were intimidated by these people and wanted to be accepted.

So, not only are they stupid, but they're shallow as well.

[FryingPan101]

"the Dixie Chicks are flying high "

I was disappointed when I went into the PX at Fort Bliss this past weekend. The Dixie Chicks CDs were being show-cased and the group touted. They may not have actually suffered losses but a lot of folks don't feel the same way about them anymore.

[Lady Eileen]

Isn't the message in all of their songs fundamentally conservative even if they don't know it?

The message in their music is meaningless...a country music version of MTV.

[GraniteStateConservative]

Maines is comfortable calling herself a "hard-core Democrat," and she's from liberal Austin, TX-- home of UT-Austin where the women are women and so are the men. Maines probably loves Ann Richards and LBJ. She has a right to be an out-of-touch liberal. We have a right to make fun of her idiocy.

[Burkeman1]

I wouldn't say either. Artist types tend to be so consumed by their craft and perfecting it that they don't have time for thinking about anything else. But when they get big time they can be influenced by easy ideologies that are accepted by those who now surround them and flatter them. Left wing ideology is so attractive to celebrities and creative types because it takes almost no thought or true sophistication. I am willing to give the Dixie Chicks a pass on this.

[Burkeman1]

Are you saying "Tavelin Soldier" doesn't bring tears to your eyes? I love that song! How about "I believe in Love"? That is a great song. Even "White Trash Wedding" is conservative.

[Burkeman1]

I didn't know that about her. That changes things.

[Freebird Forever]

the upcoming Bawa Walters interview.

I just saw a promo for a DC interview with Diane Sawyer scheduled for this coming Friday.

[fabriclady]

I think you are right.
My friend bought tickets before the comment was made.
She is stll debating if she will go.
I would never, ever go to their concert.

[Eva]

I wouldn't go, but then I hate crowds. I'm afraid that I would find it difficult to enjoy the concert. Maybe she can sell the tickets.

[Outrance]

I remember the Flameworthy Awards when at the mention of their name the crowd went nuts with boos. They were supposed to be there but did not show. Based upon the responses by the crowd when Bret Butler tried to appologize for them I don't think they would have gotten out of there in one piece. The agent is lying and the network interview is proof that they are trying to rehabilitate themselves

[fabriclady]

When she first made the comment I thought she was pandering to her husband, who is Iranian.
I doubt that she has ever had a politicl thought on her own in her lifetime.
I am hoping we NEVER FORGET.

[2nd Amendment]

The worst thing about this trash group is that they take patriotic, decent themes and make money off of them while being leftist anti-american on the inside.

[Benrand]

yeah, the music industry has SUCH great credibility, they NEVER lie or inflate record sales, NEVER!