Brief
The Chicks play full ‘Taking the Long Way’ album in Nashville with Sheryl Crow
The trio performed the 2006 record front‑to‑back on Oct. 15, selling merch that referenced past controversies.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Chicks marked the 20th anniversary of their Grammy‑winning album Taking the Long Way with a surprise concert on Oct. 15 at Nashville’s new Truth venue, playing the record in its entirety and featuring original guest Sheryl Crow.
What happened
The three‑piece country‑rock group—Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer—took the stage and performed every track from the 2006 album, from the opener “The Long Way Around” to the centerpiece “Not Ready to Make Nice.” Sheryl Crow, who contributed to the original recording, joined for several songs, echoing the album’s original collaborations. Throughout the night the band members switched among banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, dobro and other instruments, with Maines also handling tambourine and autoharp while delivering her signature powerful vocals.
What the reports add
Rolling Stone noted that the show featured archival footage projected on stage curtains, reinforcing the album’s narrative of defiance and motherhood. The outlet also highlighted the venue’s merchandise, which included “still not ready to make nice” sweatshirts and tees emblazoned with the phrase “we’re ashamed the president of the United States is from the United States,” referencing a 2003 London incident that once dominated media coverage of the band.
What was said
The review quoted no direct statements from the trio, but described Maines’s vocal performance as “explosively powerful” and praised the group’s “sheer musicianship” and “inventive interplay.” The article also mentioned that the band’s refusal to shy away from past controversies remained evident in both the setlist and the on‑stage visuals.
How it came about
The concert was part of a North‑American tour announced earlier this year to celebrate the album’s two‑decade milestone. Felo News previously reported on the tour’s New York City dates, noting ticket prices ranging from $123 to $896 and emphasizing the band’s continued cultural impact. The Nashville stop at Truth, a newly opened venue, served as a focal point for the anniversary celebrations, linking the band’s past political statements with their present musical legacy.
Key facts
- The Chicks performed the entire 2006 album "Taking the Long Way" on Oct. 15, 2026. (rollingstone.com)
- Sheryl Crow joined the trio on stage for several songs. (rollingstone.com)
- Merchandise sold at the show referenced the 2003 London incident with slogans about the U.S. president. (rollingstone.com)
- The concert took place at Nashville's new venue, the Truth. (rollingstone.com)
- Band members switched among banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, dobro, tambourine and autoharp during the performance. (rollingstone.com)
Sources
- [1] rollingstone.com — originally reported as “The Chicks Return to Nashville for an Empowering Concert That Refuses to Make Nice”
