Mavericks lead singer Raul Malo shares cancer diagnosis

Mavericks frontman and lead guitarist Raul Malo told his fans on Thursday (June 27) that he is undergoing cancer treatment. In a video posted to the group’s official Instagram page, Malo explained that the cancer was discovered after he underwent a physical exam, CT scan and colonoscopy.

In a statement, Malo wrote to the fans (and gave it Billboard), the singer continued: “Recently, the doctors found some cancerous areas in my digestive system. This is obviously not the news I was hoping for or wanted to share with you all.”

However, Malo was quick to share with fans that he was surrounded by a crack team of doctors and medical professionals in Nashville, adding, “They have assured me that it is a very common type of cancer and my chances are good. Thankfully, we have a plan in place and I feel great! I will continue to be as active as possible during these treatments, but it does mean that some shows this year may be impacted and we will let you know as soon as possible.”

Malo added, “But most of all, I wanted to say to my fellow people 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,” he continued. “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.”

Malo also thanked the fans for their support of the group’s current album Moon & Starswhich was released on May 17 and featured appearances by Sierra Ferrell, Maggie Rose, Nicole Atkins and Max Abrams.

The Mavericks have been touring in support of the album this year, but have had to cancel or postpone some shows. Shows in Aspen, Colorado (set for July 12) and Steamboat Springs, Colorado (July 14) have been canceled, while a July 13 show in Denver has been rescheduled for August 25. Later in the year, the group has shows planned in Los Angeles, Dallas and Detroit, as well as two shows at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on December 6 and 7.

The group, which combines the talents of Malo, guitarist Eddie Perez, keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden and drummer Paul Deakin, formed in Miami and moved to Nashville in the 1980s. In the years since releasing their self-titled debut album in 1990, the Mavericks have become known for their genre-bending mix of country, rock, Tejano, samba, soul and more. In 1995, they won a Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo/Group with Vocals for “Here Comes the Rain.” Five of their albums have reached the top 10 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, including 2015’s MonoIn 2020, the group returned to its Latin American roots with the release of the project In Spanish.