Dixie Chicks Alternative Concert Is A Go
By Jimmy Moore
GOPUSA News
April 2, 2003
GREENVILLE, SC (GOPUSA News) -- The recent comments made by the lead singer of the country music group Dixie Chicks have motivated a nationally syndicated radio talk show into action. Mike Gallagher, a native of the Greenville/Spartanburg area of South Carolina, has led the charge for a Dixie Chicks alternative concert to be held on May 1, the same night as their 51-city Top Of The World Tour begins at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville.
After speaking with several different country acts, Gallagher was able to book The Marshall Tucker Band to headline the Dixie Chicks alternative concert, which will begin at 7:30pm on May 1 at nearby Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in Spartanburg.
"It's a homerun for us, and we're just real proud to make them the headliners," a jubilant Gallagher said.
Country music fans became angry with the Dixie Chicks after lead singer Natalie Maines said, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas." Maines made the remarks at a concert in London last month.
Although Maines has since apologized for her comments, she is still being fiercely criticized by patriotic country music fans. In fact, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed a resolution last month that requires the group to put on a free concert for the troops as recompense. The group has declined comment.
Gallagher has been pleased with the response he has received about his concert.
"Obviously, this is designed to send a message that it's not OK to run down our president during this time of war," Gallagher said. "They insulted their core audience. Country music fans are red-blooded, patriotic Americans who support our military and support our commander-in-chief."
Other performers who were considered for the alternative concert included Charlie Daniels, Darryl Worley, Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, and Toby Keith. However, each of these artists was already booked to do other concerts on May 1.
According to their policy, the Bi-Lo Center has refused to refund or exchange tickets to the sold-out Dixie Chicks concert. As a result, Gallagher will allow anyone who has a Dixie Chicks concert ticket to come to his concert for free with VIP seating and a backstage reception.
Proceeds from the Dixie Chicks alternative concert will go to provide food and personal care items for the families of military personnel in the area. Gallagher is urging the Dixie Chicks to donate the proceeds from their concert as well.
Tickets to the Dixie Chicks alternative concert will go on sale later this week at www.mikeonline.com, the official web site of The Mike Gallagher Show.
No other alternative Dixie Chicks concerts have been scheduled yet for the remaining 50 cities on the tour.
Yes, we have two Dixie Chicks tickets. Scott and Helen will be attending (if they choose to). But I and a guest (who knows who) will be at the alternative concert in neighboring Spartanburg. If you want to read more about this, you can go to www.mikeonline.com
