The Chicks Return to Nashville for an Empowering Concert That Refuses to Make Nice

On October 15, The Chicks returned to Nashville’s Truth venue to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their critically acclaimed album Taking the Long Way. The concert offered a full live rendition of the Rick Rubin-produced record, affirming the trio’s enduring musicianship and their refusal to distance themselves from the controversies that once engulfed their career.

The event also featured a special appearance by Sheryl Crow, who contributed to the original album, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the record. The show’s atmosphere was charged with a potent mixture of celebration and defiance, underpinned by projections of archival footage that recalled both the band’s artistic triumphs and the political backlash that shaped the album’s narrative.

Nearly two decades after Natalie Maines’ 2003 remark in London criticizing then-President George W. Bush, speculation about whether the band could move beyond that moment proved misplaced. Instead of sidestepping their history, The Chicks embraced it openly as an integral part of their identity. This was evident not only in their setlist but also through the merchandise available, which included slogans referencing their earlier political statements, signaling persistence rather than regret.

Musically, the performance underscored the group’s technical prowess and deep roots in country and bluegrass traditions. Emily Strayer showcased her versatility by switching among banjo, guitar, and dobro, while Martie Maguire’s fiddle and mandolin added rich textures. Maines’ vocal delivery remained powerful and emotive, anchoring songs like the poignant “Not Ready to Make Nice,” which remains a centerpiece of the album and a testament to their resilience.

The concert also ventured into more personal territory, highlighting themes of motherhood and womanhood that permeate Taking the Long Way. The band’s openness was palpable when Maines’ son, Slade, joined on stage for the lullaby “Lullaby.” Additionally, Maguire shared candid insights into her struggles with fertility, addressing topics seldom discussed in country music circles and breaking taboos with straightforwardness and humor.

After the first set, Maines addressed the audience directly, reflecting on a recent visit to the Obama Presidential Center. She drew a stark contrast between that period and the current political climate, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and encouraging attendees to participate in the upcoming midterm elections. This call to action reinforced the band’s long-standing commitment to intertwining their music with social consciousness.

Following a brief intermission, The Chicks returned to the stage to perform some of their most celebrated hits, including “Goodbye Earl,” a song that originally faced resistance from country radio despite its alignment with traditional murder ballad themes. The set also featured iconic tracks like “Wide Open Spaces,” “Cowboy Take Me Away,” “Landslide,” and “Travelin’ Soldier,” the latter of which was charting just prior to the 2003 London incident.

One of the concert’s highlights was a potent rendition of “Daddy Lessons/Long Time Gone,” a collaboration with Beyoncé that sparked conversations about genre boundaries. Both acts have challenged the conventional definitions of country music, confronting exclusionary practices within the industry. Their performances underscore a broader dialogue on identity and genre classification, with the instrumental elements serving as undeniable markers of country influence.

As the evening concluded, Maines assured fans that The Chicks intend to continue their musical journey, though details about future projects remain scarce. Rather than signaling an end, the Nashville show functioned as a reaffirmation of the band’s essence: unapologetically authentic, artistically skilled, and unwavering in their principles. The question of whether they will 'make nice' misses the point; their legacy is defined by courage and conviction, challenging the expectations placed on women in country music and beyond.