During The Chicks’ captivating performance at the Saddledome on Thursday night, the Texan trio reached a pivotal moment in their concert. With the backup musicians fading into the shadows, the once flashy stage design transformed into a more austere setting.
It was just Natalie Maines on vocals, Mertie Maguire on the violin, and Emily Strayer strumming the banjo as they delivered a beautifully stripped-down rendition of Bruce Robison’s “Traveling’ Soldier.”
This particular song had claimed the top spot on the charts over two decades ago, and its inclusion marked one of the early highlights of The Chicks’ highly anticipated return to Calgary. It underscored that the most memorable moments in a successful stadium show don’t always require elaborate theatrics.
In fact, their two-hour, 23-song set was a masterclass in precisely calibrated stadium dynamics. While there were certainly moments of high-energy brilliance and technical wizardry, the show equally thrived on the sheer power of the band’s music and performance. In essence, it was a textbook example of what a stadium show should aspire to be. You may also check Hot New Mediterranean Menu Inspired by ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.
Of course, The Chicks did kick off their performance with a flashy and memorable opening sequence. Before the band graced the stage, the audience was treated to a series of videos featuring an array of influential female artists, including Tina Turner, the Runaways, Stevie Nicks, and Annie Lennox. As the stage darkened, the iconic Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” filled the air.
Maguire’s haunting violin and Strayer’s banjo expertise set the stage for an explosive rendition of “Gaslighted,” the fiery title track from The Chicks’ eighth studio album released in 2020.
The performance was accompanied by visuals of empowered women dancing, marching, and fighting, while vibrant neon-pink lights pierced the darkness, creating a visually striking spectacle. Following this fiery opener, the band launched into “Sin Wagon” from 1999, blending gospel enthusiasm with their trademark bluegrass virtuosity.
From this electrifying start, The Chicks continued to deliver a well-paced blend of their newer material from “Gaslighted” and cherished classics from their repertoire.
Their setlist meandered between easygoing mid-tempo tunes like “The Long Way Around” and “Wide Open Spaces” and exquisitely sung ballads such as “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “Julianne Calm Down.” You should also read Shocking News Jean-Claude Van Damme Join.
In a remarkable and awe-inspiring resurgence, The Chicks once again took center stage, showcasing their extraordinary talents while seamlessly blending the grandeur of a stadium spectacle with the deep intimacy of a profoundly personal connection.
Their live performance served as a striking testament to the notion that, beyond the glitz and allure of the stage, it is the timeless impact of their music and their flawless execution that authentically seizes the spotlight.
This unforgettable concert experience not only paid tribute to their enduring artistic prowess but also emotionally reconfirmed The Chicks’ esteemed status as eternal icons within the realm of music.
