I recently attended a Dixie Chicks' concert in Dallas for their DCX MMXVI Tour. Ever since the Chicks announced their return, I was searching tour dates trying to find the closest location to me, and I bought tickets the minute they were available. I would have given an arm and a leg to see them.
Like most people, I grew up listening to and loving the Dixie Chicks. Every chance we got, my mom and I popped one of their CD’s in and sang every song at the tops of our lungs. “Traveling Soldier” made me sad, “Sin Wagon” riled me up and “Goodbye Earl” made me dare any man to mess with me (mind you, I was probably 9 years old thinking this.)
I was obsessed with them. They were my all time favorite. I owned every CD and knew every single song. I even copied Natalie Maines' braided short hairstyle for school pictures. I begged my mom all the time to make my hair like hers. And my dream was the become the fourth Dixie Chick.
When everything between Natalie Maines and Toby Keith went down, everyone just about turned their backs on the Chicks, including country music. If you don’t know what I mean, let me catch you up. I’ll be brief. Maines stated that the song “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith was “ignorant.” The two started going back and forth at each other for quite some time, until Toby finally said enough is enough. She also told the audience of a DCX concert in London that she was ashamed that the President of the United States was from Texas. But… didn’t the Chicks originate in Dallas, Texas? Hm.
Anyway, the day of the concert was like Christmas morning to me. I couldn’t wait to get to Dallas and sing every song at the top of my lungs. How hoarse I was going to be the next day would be like a badge of honor. Regardless of everything that happened in the past, I couldn't wait to see them. But there was a major plot twist.
I knew maybe six songs that were played. I get that some artists want their fans to hear songs that will be released on future albums first-hand or covers of other songs or even songs that haven’t been recorded yet. I get that. But—I can probably speak for most of the audience and fan base when I say this—we came for the old songs. We came for “Hello Mr. Heartache,” “Cold Day in July” and “Let ‘Er Rip.” As you can probably guess, we didn’t hear any of those.
But you can bet your money that “Not Ready to Make Nice” was sang, and sang loudly at that. As soon as the first verse began, the crowd immediately left their seats and made a b-line for the exit, myself included. To me, this screams that she still hasn’t let it go. I may be wrong, but that’s how the majority of the crowd seemed to have interpreted it too. Toby Keith sure seems to have let it go. He moved on, and furthered his career, while the Dixie Chicks were put on the backburner as a result and Natalie tried switching genres.
If you attended this concert, or any other of this tour, and this wasn’t the case, believe me when I say that I’m extremely happy for you. As for me, no amount of the overpriced alcohol could make me want to see them again. I waited nearly 22 years to experience Natalie Maines’ voice live and hear their amazing music. Twenty-two years. That’s my entire life. But to say that I was disappointed is an understatement.
Do I still love their music? Heck yes. I will always love their old songs. Like I said, that’s what I grew up listening to with my mom. But would I ever go to another DXC concert? Not even if it was $5.
To me, the Dixie Chicks are a prime example of allowing someone to change you. Regardless who was right, who was wrong, who finished it and who started it, the Chicks allowed it to consume them and become who they were, and still are.
Sure, people are cruel and not everyone is going to agree with you. You can have drastically different political views or religious views than someone else, and that's fine. But if you speak up and out against someone, be prepared for someone to respond, whether it's positive or negative.
But whatever happens, if there is confrontation or any trouble, don't allow that to change who you are or who you will become. I believe in standing your ground and standing up for whatever you believe in, because that is who you are.
And at the same time, admit when you're wrong. Say you're sorry, but don't say you're not ready to make nice.
