The Chicks Light Up Boston with 'Taking the Long Way' Anniversary Tour

The Chicks took center stage at MGM Fenway in Boston on Friday, Oct. 9, delivering a powerful concert that blended fierce political statements with their celebrated country music melodies. The show marked the 20th anniversary of their pivotal album, Taking the Long Way, and spanned nearly two hours of storytelling, music, and intimate moments.

The Intersection of Politics and Music

The Chicks—Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Strayer (nee Robison)—have long combined political themes with their music. During the concert, they embraced this legacy, opening with "The Long Way Around," a pointed response to the controversy that arose in 2003 when Maines publicly criticized then-President George Bush and the Iraq War. The backlash was intense, but the band has remained unapologetic, a stance that strongly resonated throughout the performance.

A Documentary-Style Evening

The format of the evening was unique: without an opening act, the concert unfolded as a live documentary. The trio, joined by their band, performed every song from the Taking the Long Way album, narrating their journey with personal anecdotes, reflections, and even home movies. Video clips provided context to the 2003 incident and included a montage of public reactions—both supportive and hostile.

Highlighting Resilience and Support

The Chicks showcased their resilience, addressing the media storm, radio bans, and boycotts following Maines's remarks. Videos were shown featuring individuals who supported the group during their period of "exile," such as Maine’s father Lloyd and fellow musicians Mike Campbell, John Mayer, and Chad Smith. The show also touched on more personal struggles, including Maguire's journey with infertility, which inspired the song "So Hard."

Musical Highlights and Band Talent

The night featured passionate renditions of every track from Taking the Long Way, including "Not Ready to Make Nice," "Easy Silence," "Lubbock or Leave It," "Bitter End," and "Lullaby." After concluding the album set with "I Hope," the trio returned to the stage for a second act that featured hits from across their career as well as covers. Musicianship was on full display, with Maguire on fiddle and mandolin, Strayer playing multiple instruments, and Maines lending her voice and instrumentals.

Greatest Hits and Covers

The Chicks’ second set included fan favorites such as "Goodbye Earl," "Wide Open Spaces," "Cowboy Take Me Away," and a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s "Landslide." The energy ramped up with songs like "Gaslighter" and "Sin Wagon," the latter leaving the crowd dancing in the aisles. The set was anthemic and celebratory, highlighting the trio’s storytelling prowess and connection with their audience.

Staying True to Their Roots

Despite their political edge, The Chicks remain, at their core, storytellers. Their lyrics connect with listeners over themes of resilience, friendship, and love. Songs about characters like Earl, moving family tales like "Travelin’ Soldier," and tributes such as "Silent House" all found a place in the night’s setlist. The performance revealed the personal bonds and stories behind the music, presented with honesty and signature attitude.

A Night to Remember

The Chicks’ concert at MGM Fenway was more than a musical journey—it was an exploration of finding one’s voice and standing firm in the face of adversity. Fans were treated to an immersive blend of country music, political expression, and heartfelt storytelling. For both long-standing fans and newcomers, the concert underscored why The Chicks remain a unique and vital force in American music.

Setlist from the MGM Fenway Show

Act I: 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
• Like It
• Baby Hold On
• So Hard
• I Hope

Act II: Greatest Hits & Covers

• Goodbye Earl
• Wide Open Spaces
• White Trash Wedding
• Daddy Lessons / Long Time Gone
• Cowboy Take Me Away
• Landslide (Fleetwood Mac cover)
• Gaslighter
• Traveling Soldier
• Sin Wagon

Source: boston.com.