Dixie Chicks Change Their Name in Response to the Black Lives Matter Protests

Famous country band, The Dixie Chicks, have reportedly dropped the "Dixie" from their name in support of the recent protests in the U.S and the rest of the world. Their new album is also set to be released next month.

Recent race-related events in the U.S have prompted many government officials, celebrities, and members of the public to take action against racism.

Statues have been pulled down, laws have been passed, movies have been pulled from studios, and, in a new development, one of the greatest American country bands has decided to change its name.

The Dixie Chicks, a Texas band founded in 1989, have announced a change of name to The Chicks, amid protests in the U.S.

The change was announced on the band's website on the 25th of June, along with a video which starts with an anonymous message:

"If your voice held no power, they wouldn't try to silence you."

The video was that of the band's new song, "March March," which was a call to action, as well as a tribute to the struggle against all kinds of discrimination in society.

The video also urged people to remember the names of those who have suffered the fatal effects of racism and discrimination. The phrase "Say their names" flashed on the screen along with numerous other names, including George Floyd and Breanna Taylor.

The Chicks' new album, "Gaslighter," is set to be released in July.

The Chicks' announcement came with another small message below their new name on their website, stating the trio's desire to "meet this moment".

The message was signed by all three band members and followed a move made by fellow country star Lady Antebellum, who dropped the "Antebellum" from their name due to its connection with the Civil War and slavery era.

According to another statement, the band also expressed their gratitude to a sixties' New Zealand music duo known as "The Chicks" for permitting them to share their name.

The country band, consisting of singers Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer, and Martie Maguire, sold more than 33 million albums worldwide, winning 13 Grammy awards in the process, before taking a hiatus from the spotlight.

They later returned as guest stars on Taylor Swift's 2019 album, "Lover," and are due to release their new album, "Gaslighter," this year.

The release was previously postponed indefinitely due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic but the album has now been confirmed to be launching on the 17th of July.