Dixie Chicks "Accidents & Accusations" world tour

The concerts kick off July 21st in Detroit and will run through early November.

Lead singer Natalie Maines said the show will be "more of an old-style rock show, not so much about theatrics and props but just about the music." She also notes "to rock out, we used to have to pull out a cover tune, so it's nice to have your own songs to fill that part of the set."

The Chicks, who face an uncertain response from the country market following Maines' negative comment about President Bush in London t here years ago.

"The last tour we only had two little kids, this time it's seven under the age of six," said Emily Robison.

"Our entourage just consists of nannies," adds sister and band mate Martie Maguire.

All North American dates will be promoted by AEG Live, with the exception markets of Minneapolis and Chicago that will be promoted by Jam Productions, and Sacramento and Oakland that will be promoted by Another Planet.

The Chicks recently have been rehearsing with their touring band: David Grissom (Joe Ely, John Mellencamp) reprises his 2003 role as leader of the Dixie Chicks band which this time features returning acoustic guitarist Keith Sewell, (Ricky Skaggs), Wallflowers drummer Fred Eltringham, Black Crowes/Chris Robinson guitarist Audley Freed, west coast keyboard studio player Larry Knechtel (Simon & Garfunkel, Mamas & Papas, Beach Boys) former Soul Coughing bassist Sebastian Steinberg, pedal steel player Pete Finney (Doug Sahm, Alison Moorer), Rod Stewart violinist Janna Jacoby and cellist John Krovoza.

Before the North American tour kicks off, the Chicks will perform two concerts in London as part of their promotional activities for the June 12 international release of their new album. The first show, on June 15 at Shepherd's Bush Empire, is where Maines made her anti-Bush comment. The Dixie Chicks have also been added as special guests to The Eagles' June 17 show at Twickenham Stadium.

Tickets for all North American shows will go on sale over the first two weeks of June through normal ticketing outlets. Fans who purchase the band's new CD at Target stores in the U.S. beginning May 23 will be given a password for a special online presale purchase for up to four tickets for most shows on the tour.

Tour dates are: