Taking The Long Way Tour
The Chicks

The Chicks: Twenty Years After Taking the Long Way

By the time The Chicks -- then still going by Dixie Chicks -- released Taking the Long Way in May 2006, the trio had been through one of the most public meltdowns in country music history. Natalie Maines' 2003 anti-Iraq War comment from a London stage led to radio bans, public death threats, CD-smashing rallies, and a coordinated effort to drive the band out of mainstream country radio. The fact that they answered all of it with their boldest, most personal, and most musically ambitious album to date -- and then watched it sweep the Grammys -- is one of the defining stories of 21st-century American music.

The album itself, produced by Rick Rubin, leaned into a singer-songwriter and rock-influenced palette far removed from the radio-country sound of the late 1990s Chicks era. Co-writers and collaborators included Dan Wilson, Gary Louris of the Jayhawks, Linda Perry, Mike Campbell, and Sheryl Crow. The lead single Not Ready to Make Nice -- the band's direct musical response to the radio ban era -- went on to win the 2007 Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, with the album winning Album of the Year. Wikipedia notes the album sold over 2.5 million copies in the US.

The years that followed brought a long quiet period for the band as a trio, with the members pursuing solo and side projects. Their 2020 return album Gaslighter -- their first in 14 years -- earned strong critical reception and re-established them as one of the most respected acts in country, folk, and Americana. Subsequent touring runs in 2022 and 2023 with their World Tour packed arenas and amphitheaters across North America and Europe and reminded everyone that the trio's live show remains one of the tightest in popular music.

The Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour is a different kind of run. Intimate theaters instead of arenas. The album performed in its entirety, top to bottom, for the first time. Closing sets pulled from the deep catalog of Wide Open Spaces, Fly, Home, and Gaslighter material. The trio told The Washington Post that this tour is "our lives" -- a chance to revisit the most pivotal moment of their career in the kind of intimate setting where every detail of the album can really land.

The summer 2026 Tim McGraw co-headline dates -- including stops at Hersheypark Stadium, Fenway Park, and Target Field in Minneapolis -- alongside the Zootown Festival headline slot will give fans additional ways to see the band before the 20th Anniversary Tour kicks off in the fall. Setlist.fm tracks every show across both runs.

BigStub has been the trusted home for country and Americana fans for over 20 years -- backed by the highest Trustpilot rating in the industry, every order ships with a full buyer guarantee, verified sellers, and no surprise fees at checkout. For an intimate-theater run with only 16 dates in 10 cities, locking in seats is the move.

How to Buy Taking the Long Way Tour Tickets

Where can I buy The Chicks tickets?

Tickets may be available through the official Chicks website, Ticketmaster, and individual venue box offices. Verified resale tickets are also available on BigStub, a trusted third-party marketplace with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee on every order.

What is the Taking the Long Way Tour schedule?

The 20th Anniversary Tour spans 16 dates in 10 cities from September 30 through November 2, 2026. Stops include the Fox Theatre in Detroit, The Auditorium in Chicago (two nights), The Anthem in DC, Beacon Theatre in New York (two nights), The Truth in Nashville, Majestic Theatre in San Antonio (two nights), Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Benaroya Hall in Seattle (two nights), The Masonic in San Francisco (two nights), and a two-night stand at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

What kind of venues will The Chicks play on this tour?

The Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour is an intimate theater run -- historic and acoustically rich rooms like the Fox Theatre in Detroit, the Beacon Theatre in New York, and the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The trio is also playing summer 2026 stadium and amphitheater dates as special guests on Tim McGraw's tour.

Are resale tickets safe to buy?

Yes. BigStub has been a trusted resale marketplace for over 20 years with the highest Trustpilot rating in the industry. Every seller is verified, every order is backed by a buyer guarantee, and customer support is available to help with any issue. No hidden fees show up at checkout.

What if I can no longer attend the show?

If your plans change, you can list your tickets for resale through BigStub or other authorized resale platforms. The marketplace handles the transfer and protects both buyer and seller.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Taking the Long Way Tour?

The Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour is The Chicks' celebration of 20 years since their groundbreaking 2006 album Taking the Long Way. For the first time, the trio will perform the entire album in its order, top to bottom, before closing each night with their greatest hits.

When does the Taking the Long Way Tour begin?

The 16-date 20th Anniversary theater tour runs September 30 through November 2, 2026. The Chicks are also playing select summer 2026 stadium and amphitheater dates as special guests on Tim McGraw's tour.

What songs from Taking the Long Way are on the tour setlist?

The trio is performing the album in its entirety, top to bottom: 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, I Like It, Baby Hold On, So Hard, and I Hope. Each show closes with their greatest hits second set.

Will The Chicks play their older hits on this tour?

Yes. After performing Taking the Long Way in full, each show closes with a greatest hits second set drawing from the band's catalog -- expected songs include Wide Open Spaces, Cowboy Take Me Away, Goodbye Earl, Travelin' Soldier, Long Time Gone, and more from Wide Open Spaces, Fly, Home, and Gaslighter.

Who is in The Chicks?

The Chicks are the trio of Natalie Maines (lead vocals), Martie Maguire (fiddle, vocals), and Emily Strayer (banjo, vocals). Martie and Emily are sisters, and the trio formed in Dallas, Texas in 1989. The band was previously known as Dixie Chicks before officially shortening the name to The Chicks in 2020.

What awards did Taking the Long Way win?

Taking the Long Way swept the 2007 Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year, Record of the Year (for Not Ready to Make Nice), Song of the Year (Not Ready to Make Nice), Best Country Album, and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. It was one of the most decorated Grammy moments of the decade.

Why is this tour called Taking the Long Way?

The tour is named for the 2006 album Taking the Long Way, which the trio is celebrating with this 20th anniversary run. The album title itself was a deliberate reference to the band's decision to forge their own creative path after the radio backlash of the early 2000s.

Where can I see The Chicks with Tim McGraw?

The Chicks are appearing as special guests on Tim McGraw's 2026 tour with Lady A and 49 Winchester. Confirmed dates include Hersheypark Stadium, Fenway Park in Boston, and Target Field in Minneapolis, with additional stadium and amphitheater dates throughout the summer. Check the listings above for the full schedule.

How long is a Chicks concert?

A typical Chicks headline show runs about two hours including the full album performance and the greatest hits second set. Festival and special-event dates are shorter, usually around 75 to 90 minutes.

How much do Taking the Long Way Tour tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary by venue, seat location, and demand. Intimate theater dates with limited capacity typically command premium pricing, especially for floor and lower balcony seats. Check the listings above for current pricing on available shows.

Are The Chicks shows family-friendly?

Yes. The Chicks concerts are generally family-friendly events. Most theater venues welcome all ages, and parents commonly bring younger fans to the shows. Check the specific venue policy before purchasing tickets.

Can I buy and sell tickets on BigStub?

Yes. BigStub is a two-sided marketplace where verified sellers list tickets and buyers can purchase with confidence. Every order comes with a buyer guarantee and no hidden fees, backed by 20+ years of trusted service.

How will I receive my tickets?

Most tickets are delivered electronically as mobile-ready barcodes or PDF files. Some sellers offer physical mail delivery for shows further out. You will receive detailed instructions from BigStub once your order is confirmed.

What happens if my show is rescheduled or canceled?

If a show is officially canceled, BigStub processes refunds according to the marketplace's policy. Rescheduled shows typically remain valid with the original ticket. Customer service is available to help with any specific situation that comes up.