MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Dixie Chicks' fans still buy their albums, but a decline in attendance of the outspoken group's U.S. concerts has become a concern, a report says.
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune said Emily Robison, Martie Maguire, and Natalie Maines have been forced to cancel a number of their U.S. performances due to low ticket sales.
The newspaper said the poor attendance seems to have a direct correlation to comments the women made about fellow country singers and U.S. President George W. Bush.
In 2003, Maines openly criticized Bush at a London concert and later recanted a public apology. Then this year the group asked that its new album, "Taking the Long Way," not be placed in stores next to musicians such as Toby Keith and Reba McEntire.
While "Long Way" has sold nearly 1.5 million copies since its June release, the Dixie Chicks have been forced to cancel shows in 14 cities on its ongoing tour, the Star-Tribune said.
"People are divided down the middle," Iowa radio station program director, Andy Elliott, told the Tribune. "There is amazing passion by the fans on both sides."
