DIXIE CHICKS - POLITICIANS CALL FOR DIXIE CHICKS TO PERFORM FREE SHOW

LATEST: American politicians are demanding the DIXIE CHICKS perform a free concert for troops - to show they're truly sorry about publicly criticising US President GEORGE W BUSH.

The group's pacifist singer NATALIE MAINES caused a storm of protest after telling a London audience she was "ashamed" that Bush was from the same state as the band.

Maines has since apologised for her comment, but South Carolina politicians insist that's not enough.

Republican CATHERINE CEIPS introduced a resolution last week (19MAR03) calling for the trio to perform for South Carolina troops and their families, as part of a proper apology.

The politician says, "I think it's an olive branch to the Dixie Chicks."