Raul Malo, the singer of the Mavericks, says he has cancer

June 27, 2024

Raul Malo, the powerful voice of the Mavericks, told fans on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with cancer. In a statement to Rolling Stone and in a video message on Instagram, Malo, 58, said doctors discovered some “cancerous spots in my digestive system” after a physical exam, colonoscopy and CT scan.

“Obviously, this is not the news I was hoping for or wanted to share with all of you. But I have a great team of doctors and medical professionals here in Nashville. They have assured me that this is a very common type of cancer and my chances are good,” Malo said.

Malo stressed that he wanted to use his diagnosis to encourage others to take care of their health and schedule regular checkups. “We want you all to get checked out. Go to the doctor. Be proactive about your health,” he said. “That will help you combat what’s bothering you.”

Founded in 1989, the Mavericks – consisting of Malo, drummer Paul Deakin, keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden and guitarist Eddie Perez – are one of the most versatile bands in the music world. They mix country, rock, Tex-Mex and the Cuban influence of their hometown of Miami to create a lively and often danceable sound. In May they released their latest album, Moon & Starsan album full of rhythmic drums, bright brass and Malo’s rich, booming voice, led by the single “Live Close By (Visit Often).”

Because of Malo’s diagnosis and treatment, some dates on the Mavericks’ current tour will be affected, but he explained that the type of chemotherapy he will be receiving allows most people to continue working with little interruption. “So let’s hope for the best,” he said. “Stay healthy, take care of yourselves, and we’ll see you on tour.”

The Mavericks cancel two concerts in Colorado, one on July 12 in Aspen and the other on July 14 in Steamboat Springs. A July 13 date in Denver is postponed to August 25.

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Tonight, the band will play in Syracuse, New York, before heading to Hammondsport, New York, for a performance on June 29. The group will also perform at the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in Boston on July 4.

Malo’s health problems come a year after his co-founder Deakin underwent heart and brain surgery, which forced him to take a break from drumming. He is currently back on tour with the band.

Read Malo’s full statement here:

Hello everybody,

Raul here. I wanted to say hello and thank you so much for your support on our new album. Moon & StarsWe hope you enjoyed these new tunes as much as we did playing them on tour this summer.

I also wanted to share some personal news with you. Recently, the doctors found a few cancerous areas in my digestive system. Obviously, this is not the news I was hoping for or wanted to share with you all. But I have a great team of doctors and medical professionals here in Nashville. They have assured me that this is a very common type of cancer and my chances are good. Thankfully, we have a plan and I feel great! I will continue to be as active as possible during these treatments, but that means some shows this year may be affected and we will let you know as soon as possible.

But most of all, I wanted to say to my fellow humans out there and anyone reading this: it’s important to take care of your health and see a doctor, especially if something is wrong. Thanks to modern medicine, these cancers are very survivable with proper treatment, but if you don’t get checked, you’ll never know. It’s important to do this for your family, the people around you, and the people you love.

I’m sharing this message in the spirit of transparency and honesty, as you all have stuck with us through these 35 crazy years of music, shows, breakups, and getting back together – we even survived a pandemic together. We will get through this, just like we get through everything else. In the meantime, I want you to know that I’m not going anywhere, and I look forward to seeing you all on tour again soon.

With love,
Raul