The Chicks don’t have any regrets being canceled for Bush comment: ‘Set us free’
The Chicks don’t have any regrets about being one of many first targets of cancel tradition — 20 years after making a snarky comment about former President George W. Bush.
Previously referred to as the Dixie Chicks, the nation trio, composed of lead singer Natalie Maines, 48, and sisters Martie Maguire, 53, and Emily Strayer, 50, have been requested if the politically-charged assertion remains to be a “defining episode” of the group’s profession.
“It’s defining in the best way it set us free,” Maines advised the Los Angeles Times. “It obtained us out of this field of nation music, which we by no means needed to be in and by no means felt like that’s who we have been.”
“We didn’t need to do any of that bulls–t anymore. It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, nation music, please take us again.’ It was center fingers: ‘Bye!’” she added.
On March 10, 2003, whereas on stage in London, Maines advised the viewers the group was “ashamed” that Bush was from their residence state of Texas.
“Simply so you already know, we’re on the nice facet with y’all,” Maines stated simply days earlier than the invasion of Iraq. “We don’t want this battle, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the president of the USA is from Texas.”
The Guardian published the remark, and The Chicks have been shortly shunned by American followers, nation radio, and fellow nation artists.
However music heavyweights reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen and Madonna supported their proper to talk out, though the Materials Woman opted to delay her personal graphic war-themed music video for “American Life” after the backlash.
The Chicks’ music and live performance gross sales additionally plummeted, and the Lipton iced tea model pulled the plug on its promotional contract with the group.
Maines issued an apology just a few days later, saying her comment was “disrespectful” — however took it again in 2006, saying she felt Bush deserved no respect.
Bush responded to The Chicks’ remark in April 2003, arguing that they’re “free to talk their thoughts,” however “shouldn’t have their emotions harm simply because some folks don’t wish to purchase their information after they communicate out.”
“I don’t actually care what the Dixie Chicks stated,” he advised broadcaster Tom Brokaw.
“I wish to do what I believe is correct for the American folks, and if some singers or Hollywood stars really feel like talking out, that’s high quality. That’s the beauty of America.”
In Could 2003, The Chicks famously graced the cover of Entertainment Weekly bare — with completely different names the American public had apparently referred to as them, together with “traitors,” “proud Individuals,” “opinionated,” and “Dixie Sluts” — printed in daring black lettering on their our bodies.
The “Not Prepared To Make Good” singers launched a documentary in 2006 concerning the controversy titled “Shut Up and Sing.”
Their 2020 album “Gaslighter” was the primary time in years The Chicks have been seemingly welcomed and accepted by the American public once more.
That very same 12 months, nation singer turned pop sensation Taylor Swift, now 33, admitted she was “terrified” to get political after seeing how The Chicks’ remark “ended such a robust reign.”