The Chicks Explain Why They Removed 'Dixie' From Their 'Stupid' Name

The Chicks Explain Why They Dropped 'Dixie' From Their 'Stupid' Name

The Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks, have spoken out about why they decided to change their band name.

When the country trio announced their new name last month, they said the decision was made in light of the recent protests against police brutality and racial inequality, as well as the ongoing conversation about Confederate symbols. However, in a recent interview with the New York Times, band members Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer, and Martie Maguire, say it was long-overdue.

"We were literally teenagers when we picked that stupid name," Maguire said, referring to the Dixie Chicks name chosen in 1989, long before Maines joined the group.

"We wanted to change it years and years and years ago," added Maines. "I just wanted to separate myself from people that wave that Dixie flag."

Strayer revealed that the decision was made last month after she saw a Confederate flag on Instagram that someone had labeled "the Dixie Swastika." At that point she thought, "I don't want to have anything to do with that."

The name change comes just ahead of The Chicks new Gaslighter album release. The project, due out on July 17, is the trio's first new album in 14 years following 2006's Taking The Long Way.

The Chicks have already given fans a glimpse at what's to come on the new album with the release of several songs. In March the band released the album's title track, "Gaslighter" which they followed up with another new song called "Julianna Calm Down."

The latest single, "March March" dropped on the same day the group announced their new band name. The song finds Maines addressing social issues including women's rights, underpaid teachers, gun rights and more. All three tracks will appear on Gaslighter.

Photo: Getty Images


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