** An Original Chicks News Flash
** from The All-Inclusive Dixie Chicks Page!
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In a column in Sunday's Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (just posted to the
dixiechicks list, www.dixiechicksfans.com ), entertainment editor William
Kerns tries to play both sides against the middle -- disagreeing with KRBL
manager Paul Beane's boycott of Maines-related music, but explaining in
detail why Beane would have drawn his line in the sand.

Overall, the article almost appears to come down on the side of the Maines
music boycott. While acknowledging the fact that the list of artists
affected is "long [and] auspicious", he concludes that KRBL manager Paul
Beane has "taken a stand". Kerns doesn't go into the real problems this
"stand" causes for artists like Kevin Deal, for whom small-market play
helps put bread on the table.

But if Kerns' column soft-peddles the impact to Texas Music artists, I
suspect it's for a reason. This column contains just enough information to
make fans react like we did on the KHYI-Fans list -- with outrage and
indignation at statements like "Is this a personal vendetta? Yes." I
wouldn't be surprised if his next Sunday column includes some of the fan
responses to the situation. Know anyone in Lubbock? Pass on William
Kerns' contact info, from the bottom of the article:

wkerns@... 806-766-8712


Beane takes stand against another Maines
William Kerns, Entertainment Editor
Story last updated at 12:57 a.m. Sunday, June 15, 2003
http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/061503/wil_061503096.shtml

Austin music producer Lloyd Maines, father of Chicks lead singer Natalie
Maines, also has angered one Lubbock radio executive.

Paul Beane, manager of KRBL (105.7 FM) and owner of small stations in
Levelland and Littlefield, will not play music by any artists produced by
Lloyd Maines.

It is a long, auspicious list.

This came to light when Beane returned Kevin Deal's CD called "The Lawless"
unopened to the artist.

Beane, 63, has worked in radio for 47 years and been involved with Lubbock
radio since 1961. He loves the city he calls home. I still don't agree with
his decision because it could hurt talented Texas artists more than Maines
anyway.

On the other hand, Beane is not reacting to the comment made by Natalie
Maines in London on March 11 -- although he has offered to play the Dixie
Chicks for "24 hours straight" if Natalie can prove she voted in the last
presidential election.

Instead, the radio executive is reacting to Lloyd Maines' backlash against
Lubbock, his hometown.

In remarks printed March 21, Lloyd expressed fury with the Lubbock media
and blamed anti-Chicks calls and e-mails on a "hard line right-wing group
(that) organizes attacks of this type."

Beane pointed out that "for three generations" West Texas supported the
Maines family and their music. He did, too, at least until Lloyd expressed
bitterness toward the Lubbock media.

"If that's the way he feels," said Beane, "then I can't be in a position to
support his efforts in the music industry. I think the mother-hen syndrome
is justified, but I was struck by the irony of his remarks. When he blames
a huge right-wing conspiracy, it smacks so much of what Hillary Clinton
said just before her husband admitted his infidelities."

Beane added that he "went back and examined our e-mails, and 90 percent
were from names we recognized as people who often e-mail us with requests,
compliments or comments. (Not) e-mails from national organizations."

He explained his position by saying, "If artists promote their music by
(using) someone who is an outspoken critic of the Lubbock media, then, at
this point, I prefer to opt out. Is it selfish? Yes? Is this a personal
vendetta? Yes. Do I wish I could be a bigger person and overlook what Lloyd
said? Probably.

"But I'm not. And I know I won't make much difference, but enough is enough."

He's quietly taken a stand.

wkerns@... 766-8712
--
Robert Brooks / robertb@...
http://www.dixie-chicks.com/ -- the complete unauthorized history
Nashville's days are numbered: listen to http://www.khyi.com/

"I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness,
but you are already doing that..." - 2 Cor 11:1