The Chicks Detroit Opening Night Setlist from the Anniversary Tour
The road to redemption, or perhaps just the road to the next great hit, is often paved with powerful music. In May 2006, the trio known as The Chicks—Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Robison—released the landmark album Taking the Long Way. Now, over a decade later, the legacy of that record continues to inspire, setting the stage for a celebratory run that highlights the enduring power of their artistry.
The anniversary celebration kicked off spectacularly as the group launched the Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary tour. Their opening night was held at the historic Fox Theatre in Detroit, bringing the energy of the legendary album to a new generation of fans.
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through the album’s history. The performance was split into two engaging acts. The first portion featured the trio performing the entirety of the 14-track album, including the raw, defiant track Not Ready to Make Nice. This song remains a talking point, serving as a powerful response to the intense backlash the band faced in 2003 after Natalie Maines publicly criticized President George W. Bush regarding the invasion of Iraq.
That particular moment, marking a moment of public contrarianism, carries an interesting weight, especially considering the geopolitical landscape that has changed dramatically in the intervening two decades. It’s a poignant reminder of how music can serve as a voice for personal conviction.
The second act shifted gears, diving into the more universally beloved hits that cemented The Chicks’ place in the music canon. Fans were treated to fun, familiar favorites like “Goodbye Earl” and “Cowboy Take Me Away,” alongside beautiful covers of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” and “Gaslighter.” The performance concluded with the title track from their most recent studio album, demonstrating that their journey is as much about celebration as it is about reflection.
The tour continues its momentum from Detroit, moving through two nights in Chicago before concluding in Los Angeles, where the show will wrap up with three dates at the Dolby Theater in November.
Beyond the live performance, the enduring appeal of Taking the Long Way continues to grow. Sony’s Legacy Recordings is set to release an expanded edition of the album, featuring three new LP and digital versions. These special editions bundle five bonus tracks, offering listeners rare glimpses into the band’s creative process. The extras include three unreleased demos of songs like “Not Ready to Make Nice,” “So Hard,” and “Flowers,” alongside two rare songs, “Thin Line” and “Live Wire.”
The updated collection ensures that the story of The Chicks and the defining sound of the era remains rich, rewarding, and ready for continued exploration.
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