MSN to Exclusively Webcast the Dixie Chicks' First Concert in Two Years

REDMOND, Wash.(Microsoft Corp.) - MSN(R) Video will broadcast the Dixie Chicks' first concert appearance in over two years - in London on Thursday, June 15 - to a worldwide audience at https://dixiechicks.msn.com. The sold-out concert at Shepherds Bush Empire, the same location of lead singer Natalie Maines' now infamous words, will be the group's first concert webcast and is part of their partnership with MSN Video for delivering content and a more detailed, intimate glimpse into their world. The performance, which will be captured by numerous digital film cameras, will be broadcast at 10 p.m. EDT on June 15 and adjusted globally in different time zones to better accommodate viewers from around the world.

"We are thrilled with the early success of our partnership with the Dixie Chicks, and with the opportunity to bring their kickoff concert to our global audience," said Rob Bennett, general manager of Entertainment and Video Services for MSN. "Our steady stream of unique, engaging content experiences is what makes MSN the best destination for online entertainment."

The concert and webcast come amid a week of promotional activities surrounding the June 12 European release of the Dixie Chicks' new CD, "Taking the Long Way." It will give fans a sneak peek into what they can expect when the trio officially starts their worldwide "Accidents & Accusations" tour, which kicks off in North America on July 21 in Detroit.

"Taking the Long Way" was released in North America and Australia on May 23. In the U.S., the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart and remains in the top spot for a second week, with almost 800,000 copies sold in the U.S. to date. The album debuted at No. 2 in Australia and Canada.

This past May, the Dixie Chicks signed a two-year agreement with MSN to connect fans worldwide with the most comprehensive information on the band's new album and tour. MSN also gave fans the opportunity to stream tracks from "Taking the Long Way," before retail availability and hosted a premiere of the entire album on May 22, a day before its North American release. In addition, MSN has hired a writer to follow the band 24x7 for one year with an all-access pass. The writer will document his experiences with the band and post behind-the-scenes interviews, articles and video footage on the site.
Fans who visit https://dixiechicks.msn.com can still stream the Chicks' new album and download their favorite songs via MSN Music.