The Dixie Chicks have been through a lot over the past 20 years, but one of the biggest controversies they’ve faced was in 2003, when lead singer Natalie Maines said that she was ashamed that then-President George W. Bush was from Texas.
The Dixie Chicks are one of the most popular country music groups in history. Their debut album Wide Open Spaces sold more than 10 million copies and they have won five Grammy Awards. But the group hasn’t always been so well-liked. In 2003, lead singer Natalie Maines made a comment about President George W. Bush that led to her being banned from country radio stations across America and becoming a target for death threats.
What did Natalie Maines say?
On March 10th, 2003, the Dixie Chicks were performing at an anti-war concert in London with activist group Voices in the Wilderness when lead singer Natalie Maines told the crowd: “Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence; we are ashamed that [President] George Bush is from Texas.” The comment sparked outrage among country music fans across America and led to major controversy for The Dixie Chicks.
Why did people get mad at The Dixie Chicks?
At first glance it might seem like a silly reason to be angry at a band for their political opinions. After all, there is nothing wrong with speaking your mind and voicing your concerns about something you believe is unjust or unfair.
“But it wasn’t just Natalie Maines’ opinion that got people upset,” says musician Billie Joe Armstrong.
“Natalie said it while performing overseas in front of an audience who didn’t vote for President Bush,” he explains.
“She was effectively telling her American fans who voted for him that they were wrong.”
In short: Americans were angry because Natalie Maines said something while overseas that she wouldn’t have been able to say if she’d been back home in Texas (or anywhere else where there are plenty of conservative voters). They felt like she should have respected President Bush regardless of whether or not they agreed with him politically.
“I think it’s important to remember how strong feelings can be about politics,” says author Michael J. Mooney.
“People can feel very passionate about their beliefs on either side.”
