Mavericks cancel concerts after Raul Malo’s heartbreaking diagnosis

Country music band The Mavericks have canceled their upcoming performances after frontman Raul Malo announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

The band announced this week that several tour dates this month will be canceled or postponed after Malo, 58, announced his diagnosis in an Instagram video.

He said the band went on a “health trip” and had a doctor examine him, which ultimately led to the discovery of “two cancerous spots” in his gastrointestinal tract.

“We’re going to fight this with everything we have at our disposal,” Malo said. “Stay healthy, take care of yourselves, and we’ll see you out there on the road.”

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The canceled shows affect two dates in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on July 12 and 14, and another show on July 13 in Denver has been postponed to the end of August.

Malo began his video by thanking his fans for their growing support of the band this year following the release of their last album, and made it clear that he has no plans to stop performing altogether.

He said the band had been “taking care of their health” and “treating themselves a little better” while touring in recent years.

“We’re taking a little bit better care of ourselves and really trying to do everything right as far as nutrition, etc.,” he said. “So part of the health journey is getting checked out. Go to a doctor, get a physical exam and start doing that.”

Malo said his initial tests “led to another appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist who did a CAT scan … and that showed two cancerous spots.”

Following the diagnosis, the 58-year-old said he would begin chemotherapy after the July 4 holiday, but assured his fans that the treatment was one of the easiest cancer therapies to manage.

“Most people are working and going about their daily activities as if nothing happened,” he continued. “So let’s hope for the best and hope it continues like this.”

“The reason I’m telling you all this, one of the reasons I’m telling you all this, is because some of the shows this year may be impacted as we navigate through this situation and see how the therapy goes.”

Malo concluded his video by urging his fans to get themselves checked as well.

“The most important thing I’m saying is that we want you all to get checked out. Go to the doctor. Be proactive about your health. That will help you fight whatever is bothering you,” he said.

“Stay healthy, take care of yourselves, see you out there on the road.”

The singer and guitarist’s video sparked a wave of support from the band’s fans, wishing Malo a “speedy recovery.”

“I pray for a smooth treatment and excellent results,” commented one fan.

Another said: “Many prayers for you, sir. Thank you for sharing this important personal message with everyone.”