Dixie Chicks Change Name to The Chicks amid Nationwide Protests for Racial Justice
Karen Mizoguchi, People, June 25, 2020
Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer and Martie Maguire will now be called The Chicks, PEOPLE confirms.
The group, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks who were founded in 1989, recently changed their band name, dropping “Dixie,” a nickname for the Civil War-era South. The name change, which has been implemented on their website and social media accounts, comes amid nationwide protests, including the removal of several Confederate statues.
“We want to meet this moment,” The Chicks said in a statement on their website.
In a statement, obtained by PEOPLE, Maines, Strayer and Maguire acknowledged a 1960s pop group from New Zealand of the same name.
“A sincere and heartfelt thank you goes out to ‘The Chicks’ of NZ for their gracious gesture in allowing us to share their name. We are honored to co-exist together in the world with these exceptionally talented sisters. Chicks Rock!” the country trio said.
The Chicks’ rebrand also comes less than a month prior to the July 17 release of Gaslighter, their first album in 14 years.
In addition to the shortened band name, the ladies released a new song “March March” and its accompanying music video, which features footage of recent protests in support of Black Lives Matter, women’s rights, gay rights and environmental activists.
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