The Chicks are the ultimate example of the modern country-pop crossover and arguably one of the most resilient groups in music history.
Bursting out of Texas in the late '90s with a successful blend of bluegrass and pop as well as distinctive stunning three-part harmonies, Martie Maguire, Emily Strayer, and Natalie Maines didn't just top the charts, they completely redefined the rules for women in country music. With diamond-certified albums like Wide Open Spaces and Fly, they became a global phenomenon.
But what truly cements their legendary status is their uncompromising independence and tenacity. After facing a massive, industry-wide blacklisting and ridiculous public backlash in 2003 for criticizing then-President George W. Bush and the Iraq War, they refused to back down or apologize. Defiant as ever, they created 2006's Taking the Long Way, a masterpiece that swept the Grammys and served as definitive proof that their artistic integrity was absolutely non-negotiable.
This year Taking The Long Way celebrates its 20th anniversary and The Chicks are on a North American tour, subtitled "Still Not Ready to Make Nice", on which the trio is performing the landmark record in its entirety. As a big fan of both The Chicks and the album, there was no way I wasn’t going to get a ticket.
They played three nights at The Beacon Theatre in NYC; I attended night two. There was no opener, which I prefer instead of trying to guess when the main act will actually start. Before the show, huge curtains covered the stage, featuring vintage archival footage, headlines and tour imagery, emphasizing the passage of time and highlighting the trio’s career. Then a countdown clock appeared before the curtains lifted to reveal Natalie, Martie and Emily seated on a raised circular platform. They immediately launched into the first track from the album, The Long Way Around. They went on to perform the album in order before taking a short break and returning for set 2, comprising several of their biggest hits, including my personal favorites Goodbye Earl, Wide Open Spaces, Gaslighter and Travelin' Soldier.
Natalie delivered a masterclass in lead vocals - raw, emotionally charged and fiercely controlled - which were perfectly anchored by Martie and Emily’s lush, razor-sharp backing harmonies. Hearing their three-part harmonies ring out through the Beacon’s amazing acoustics produced chills, especially during songs like Travelin’ Soldier and Landslide. The sheer display of musicianship was also impressive. The trio seamlessly swapped instruments throughout the set, including fiddles, mandolins, banjos and guitars.
Whether powering through high-energy anthems or dialing it back for delicate acoustic arrangements, The Chicks’ talent was on full display. It was an extraordinary show that left the entire venue buzzing long after the final bow.
The complete setlist was as follows:
Set 1: Taking the Long Way
The Long Way Around
Easy Silence
Not Ready to Make Nice
Everybody Knows
Bitter End
Lullaby
Lubbock or Leave It
Silent House
Favorite Year
Voice Inside My Head
I Like It
Baby Hold On
So Hard
I Hope
Set 2
Goodbye Earl
Wide Open Spaces
White Trash Wedding
Daddy Lessons / Long Time Gone
Cowboy Take Me Away
Landslide
Gaslighter
Travelin' Soldier
Sin Wagon
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