Sticks & Stones

The post-Dixie Chick/Beyonce CMA reaction was right up there with the post-Trump reaction in 180-degree opposite poles.

Not in order of importance but the two subjects are oddly related.

The Trump election is going over on the left about as well as the Beyonce/Chick moment went over on the right.

The Hollywood-based Country music oracle TMZ sent the Chesney stone-faced glare story off to the races.

Not going to reshake the sludge at the bottom of the tank, but it was such a hit job going after Kenny. Kenny and his people can defend themselves but the whole over-the-top reaction on social media was very disappointing on so many levels.

Natalie Maines seems to never try to dampen the fire, either. The Beyonce/Chick moment and Maren Morris song were the best performance moments of the night -- on a night with too many excellent moments. Those were unexpected and musically special. You knew the historical type bits would be great.

With chief diplomat Maines representing the one side, I don't think that whole thing will ever heal. Great loss to Country music, though. They are great performers.

You wonder if Beyonce had performed with anyone else, or the Chicks had played with anyone else, would that have been so inflammatory to some. Guess we will never know. Remember the old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." I still think words hurt.

Now on to the election and aftermath ... Music Row was as low key on this presidential election as I have seen in my 36 years here. There was one mention of a star-driven fundraiser for Clinton. I'm sure money was raised and given by more than a few Music Row executives. The stars stayed on the sidelines unlike the pop folks. Katy Perry must have been going for Secretary of Commerce with all her in-person events.

When the election outcome started to shape up, the CMA Country Christmas taping was underway at the Opry House. Feedback from the show was many needed nerve medicine as Trump totals grew.

The election was just too hot for the well known around here. You saw very few visible signs or stickers around 16th ave. A few Clinton and no Trump.

In the past, Reagan and the Bushes saw some of the biggest show support. Carter had CDB and a few others.

Despite the Trump Apprentices around, it was oh so quiet.

A few post-election tweets but no major statements, no threats to move to Canada. I'm talking about the current "A" listers ... even the at times pre-Obama artists were oh-so-quiet in this contest.

Will any Music Row folks play an inaugural ball in January? 2016 is wrapping up to be more surprising than anyone thought.

Watching Garth on ATT.com Yankee Stadium show. And anyone dare question his credentials for Entertainer of the Year? There is Garth on stage, then way down everyone else. He never stops ... amazing!