Natalie Maines Inducted Into Hometown Walk of Fame

2015 Lubbock, Texas Walk of Fame Inductees Natalie Maines (L) Jo Harvey Allen (R). Photo: A-J Media/Mark Rogers

Natalie Maines was inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame last night (Sept. 17) in a ceremony held in her hometown of Lubbock, Texas. Playwright/actress Jo Harvey Allen was also inducted at the event, which was held at the Lubbock High School due to renovations at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

“I never quite fit in [here], but I kinda liked that and used it to my benefit,” said Maines of growing up in her hometown while delivering her acceptance speech, posted via video by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. “I was the first cheerleader that I knew of with half of my head shaved–I was also very proud of that accomplishment.”

Past inductee and father of the Dixie Chicks front-woman, Lloyd Maines, joined his daughter during an acoustic performance of “Wide Open Spaces” in front of the capacity crowd.

In an interview with the paper prior the ceremony, Maines revealed she was first hesitant to accept the honor but became convinced when it was revealed she would be standing next to Allen, representing strong females.

I was not anxious to do this. Don’t get me wrong. I’m appreciative of being asked, but, unfortunately, Lubbock’s reaction to my speaking out against the war and George W. Bush made my heart feel very differently about my hometown, and it’s a difficult place for me to go back to.

I was very naive to think that would be reciprocated in the Bush aftermath, and I had an unfortunate awakening. Here was this place I had always defended and praised that turned on me. I think of myself as a pretty tough chick, but it was really hurtful to watch my hometown jump on the bandwagon of hate towards one of their own without any hesitation. Honestly, I just washed my hands of the entire town and only went back to visit my mamaw and my extended Lubbock family. Then this invitation came up. I did have to do a lot of contemplating. But it’s a nice thing to be asked, and I know it means a lot to my dad.