The Chicks’ Iconic Comeback: Celebrating 20 Years of ‘Taking the Long Way’
Whether you call it a triumphant return, a musical crossover, or a long-awaited celebration, one thing is certain: The Chicks are returning to the stage to honor one of the most pivotal moments in country music history. Twenty years after the release of their blockbuster album, Taking the Long Way, the Texas trio—Emily Strayer, Martie Maguire, and Natalie Maines—are hitting the road for an intimate run of theater shows across the United States.
A Legacy of Resilience and Rebellion
To understand the weight of this tour, one must look back at the storm that preceded the album. In 2003, during a concert in London, Natalie Maines expressed her disapproval of then-President George W. Bush’s decision to invade Iraq. The reaction from the country music industry and a segment of the public was immediate and visceral. The band faced boos at award shows, radio stations banned their tracks, and fans publicly destroyed their CDs.
However, from this adversity came a masterpiece. Produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, Taking the Long Way served as the band’s emotional outlet. The lead single, “Not Ready to Make Nice,” became a multi-platinum anthem of defiance and authenticity. As Maines recalls, the period felt as if “life was happening to us,” but it ultimately fueled a songwriting process that resonated far beyond the country genre.
The album didn’t just save their career; it defined it, earning the group five Grammy Awards, including Album, Song, and Record of the Year. Decades later, the themes of misunderstanding, anger, and ultimate triumph remain as universal as ever.
What to Expect from the Tour
This fall, fans will have the rare opportunity to experience Taking the Long Way performed in its entirety. The shows will be more than just concerts; they will be storytelling experiences where the band reminisces about the unusual and turbulent times that shaped the record.
Tour Dates and Locations
The 16-night run kicks off in Detroit and winds its way through some of the most prestigious venues in the U.S.:
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- Sept 30: Detroit — Fox Theatre
- Oct 3 & 4: Chicago — The Auditorium
- Oct 6: Washington — The Anthem
- Oct 12 & 13: New York — Beacon Theatre
- Oct 15: Nashville, TN — The Truth
- Oct 17 & 18: San Antonio — Majestic Theatre
- Oct 20: Austin, TX — Bass Concert Hall
- Oct 25 & 26: Seattle — Benaroya Hall
- Oct 29 & 30: San Francisco — The Masonic
- Nov 1 & 2: Los Angeles — Dolby Theatre
How to Get Tickets
Due to the intimate nature of the theaters, tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Mark your calendars: tickets go on sale June 4 at 10 a.m. local time via LiveNation.com.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the power of three voices that refused to be silenced. Whether you’ve been a fan since the beginning or discovered them through their legendary defiance, this tour is a celebration of truth, music, and the courage to be yourself.
