The Dixie Chicks–Martie Erwin Maguire, Emily Erwin Robison, and lead singer Natalie Maines–are planning a concert tour in 2016. The 40-city-plus tour will kick off on June 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio. It winds down in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Bowl on October 10. The Dixie Chicks are calling their upcoming tour the “DCX MMXVI World Tour.”

Mark your ?! @DixieChicks are coming to a city near you on their #DCXMMXVI World Tour: https://t.co/TqIevnGDmd ? pic.twitter.com/12d4QCywGH

— CMT (@CMT) November 17, 2015

The last time to Dixie Chicks released an album or went on tour was back in 2006. “Taking the Long Way” won Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards.

Since the Dixie Chicks were last together, sisters Emily Erwin Robison and Martie Erwin Maguire formed a duo called Court Yard Hounds. Natalie Maines released a solo album in 2013.

Back in 2003, the Dixie Chicks caused a bit of controversy back in 2003, and it took a long time to live down. Just days before the Iraq War began, Natalie Maines said while at a concert in London, “We don’t want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States (George W. Bush) is from Texas”. Although many in London applauded the Dixie Chicks’ outspoken statement, the group was soon boycotted in the U.S. as a result.

A few days later, Natalie Maines tried to explain herself, saying, “I feel the President is ignoring the opinions of many in the U.S. and alienating the rest of the world.”

It was too little, too late, however. Her comment resulted in considerable financial loss for the Dixie Chicks.

ICYMI: The Dixie Chicks are hitting the road next year after a long hiatus! #DCXMMXVI https://t.co/PUjMjIAOum

— Ticketmaster (@Ticketmaster) November 17, 2015

Fans are no doubt ready to see the Dixie Chicks back on tour. How do you suppose country music stations–many of whom also boycotted the group–feel about the Dixie Chicks heading back out on tour?

It will be interesting to see if the Dixie Chicks stick to their traditional sound or if they create some new music to accompany them on the road. Do you expect Natalie Maines will behave in a more refined manner during their upcoming tour?