In the world of country-pop, The Dixie Chicks are as a big it gets. They were last together at the 2007 Grammys - where they won five awards, including album, record and single of the year - and that night capped off a tumultuous four years.

Of course, it all started with that famous comment from singer Natalie Maines - ten days before the US invasion of Iraq: "We don't want this war, this violence and we're ashamed that the President of the US is from Texas."

That moment changed their lives. Country radio abandoned them, they were called un-American, and even received death threats. But The Chicks battled back, publicly defending their stand and their right to free speech. And they starred in a documentary - called 'Shut Up and Sing' - about the highs and lows after the controversy.

By the end of it all, The Dixie Chicks had found a new audience. Now, they're set to kick off a tour with The Eagles that includes some shows with Keith Urban. Plus, two of The Chicks - sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire - have a new project. A band called Court Yard Hounds - and they've just put out their debut album.