In America it is one thing for a
rock band to make controversial remarks, but it is another for a
country music band to do the same. The
Dixie chicks, fresh off yet another
Grammy performance, found themselves in the middle of a huge
public relations fiaso in March of this year. While touring in Europe a number of quotes were attributed to various members of the
trio, most of them derogatory with regards to
President George Bush and the impending conflict with
Iraq.
One such quote, which may or may not have been spoken:
"Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas."
Leading some credence to these reports was a formal apology sent out by the lead singer of the band,Natalie Maines, on March 14th.
While these events pale next to John Lennon and his famous "We're bigger than Jesus Christ" statement during the heigth of Beatlemania, the reaction of both country music fans and radio stations has been similar. Fans have staged massive CD buring parties and radio stations throughout the country have now boycotted the playing of any of their music.
Understand this band was as huge as any musical group could be in the United States. Their last three CDs have all gone platinum in sales (including Home, which won the award mentioned above). Internet ticket sales for an upcoming concert tour set records for one day presales in February of this year. It remains to be seen if the expected requests for refunds will be allowed.
some information from
associated press.com
ticketmaster. com
yahoo.com