DIXIE CHICKS - DIXIE CHICKS SEE SALES SLUMP

The fan backlash and radio airplay woes of the DIXIE CHICKS have taken their toll - sales of the country trio's album HOME sagged more than 40 per cent last week (ends21MAR03).

The group faced an uproar after lead singer NATALIE MAINES recently commented on how "ashamed" she was that American President GEORGE W BUSH hails from her home state of Texas.

Following her comments, fans turned against the singers and a select number of radio stations across America cut down - and even banned - their airplay.

Although Maines apologised for her comments, sales of the album dropped below 72,000 copies, down from 124,000 the previous week.

The Dixie Chicks are coming off a post-GRAMMY spike three weeks ago when sales of Home jumped 60 per cent - to 202,530 - following the February (03) award ceremony.

Home has sold five million copies since its release in August (02).