Dixie Chicks switch US shows to Canada

Country music stars the Dixie Chicks have cancelled 14 concert dates in the US and replaced them with shows in Canada as a result of poor ticket sales.

The Texan group courted controversy when they failed to apologise for controversial comments singer Natalie Maines made about US President George Bush onstage in London three years ago.

Unimpressive ticket sales in the American south and mid-west have seen the group alter their tour itinerary for the remainder of their tour - a move they claim will free them up to promote their upcoming documentary "Dixie Chicks: Shut up and Sing" at the Toronto Film Festival next month.

A band statement reads: "We hope that our fans who were looking forward to a stop that is no longer on the tour will be able to join us at a nearby arena this fall, and we are sorry for any confusion or inconvenience these changes have caused."