Natalie Maines has ‘no regrets’ on speaking out against the Iraq war in 2003 despite backlash

The Dixie Chicks paid a heavy price with an all-out industry backlash for comments made by lead singer Natalie Maines against President George W. Bush and the impending Iraq war in 2003.

And despite public protests against the band and being blacklisted from country music airwaves, Natalie Maines admitted in the April edition of Allure magazine that she has ‘no regrets’ about what she said during a concert in London 17 years ago.

The award-winning group (which also includes Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer) took a much needed break from the industry and is now returning to music in grand fashion with their first album in 14 years, Gaslighter.

‘I have no regrets, but the responsible part of me doesn’t want to put people through s***,’ she told the publication. ‘But when I think back, it’s like that movie Sliding Doors, right? Where would we be today if I hadn’t said that? That’s interesting. I really don’t know if I would take it back.’

During a concert at the Shepherds Bush Empire in London in March 2003 days before the Iraq invasion, Maines was introducing their song Travelin’ Soldier.

‘Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all,’ she told the audience. ‘We do not want this war, this violence and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.’  

Her comments angered country music fans and sparked a media backlash which also saw a boycott of the band’s music in addition to statewide protests.

While Maines attempted to apologize in various interviews, the band stood by her words and forged ahead with their music and new activist roles despite losing a massive fan base.

When asked if the group felt like they were still included in the country music genre, Maines was quick to answer. 

‘No, absolutely not. When we started doing this music, I liked the people in our industry,’ she said. ‘We always waved that country flag when people would say it wasn’t cool. 

‘And then to see how quickly the entire industry turned on us…. I was shocked that people thought that we were different than what we were. I always felt like we were so genuine.’ 

The women released Taking the Long Way Home in 2006 and with a few live albums and tours in-between, and are gearing up for their first official catalog in 14 years.

‘I felt the most pride in our last album — maybe it was worth the controversy. It was so personal and so honest; this album even more so,’ Maines said. ‘Our manager was like, “Do you not care about a number one?” 

‘When you have achieved all your dreams, everything else is sprinkled on top. I prefer my kids like me than having a number one record. It doesn’t mean that I won’t be grateful when it happens.’