Raul Malo, the robust voice of the Mavericks, told fans on Thursday that he’s been diagnosed with cancer. In both 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 undergoing a physical, colonoscopy, and catscan.
“Obviously, this isn’t the news I was hoping to get, or to share with you all. But I’ve got a great team of doctors and medical professionals here in Nashville. They’ve reassured me this is a very common form of cancer, and my odds are good,” Malo said.
Malo stressed that he wanted to use his diagnosis to empower others to be vigilant about their health and schedule regular screenings. “We want you all to get checked out. Go see a doctor. Be proactive in your health,” he said. “It’ll help fight whatever ails you.”
Formed in 1989, the Mavericks — made up of Malo, drummer Paul Deakin, keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden, and guitarist Eddie Perez — are one of music’s most eclectic bands, mixing country, rock, Tex-Mex, and the Cuban influence of their native Miami to create a vibrant and often dance-ready sound. In May, they released their latest album, Moon & Stars, an album full of rhythmic drums, bright brass, and Malo’s rich, booming voice, led by the single “Live Close By (Visit Often).”
As a result of Malo’s diagnosis and treatment, he said that some dates on the Mavericks’ current tour will be affected, but explained that the type of chemotherapy treatment he’ll 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 I’ll see you out on the road.”
The Mavericks are canceling two concerts in Colorado, one July 12 in Aspen, the other July 14 in Steamboat Springs. A July 13 date in Denver will be rescheduled for Aug. 25.
Tonight, the band will play Syracuse, New York, before heading to Hammondsport, New York, for a show on June 29. The group will also perform at the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4 in Boston.
Malo’s health issues come a year after co-founder Deakin underwent both heart and brain surgery, causing him to take some time away from the drum kit. He is currently back on tour with the band.
Read Malo’s full statement here:
Hey everyone,
Raul here. I wanted to say hello, and a big thank you for all the support on our new album Moon & Stars. We hope you’ve been loving these new tunes as much as we’ve enjoyed playing them out on the road this summer.
I also wanted to share a bit of personal news. Recently, the doctors found a few cancerous spots in my digestive system. Obviously, this isn’t the news I was hoping to get, or to share with you all. But I’ve got a great team of doctors and medical professionals here in Nashville. They’ve reassured me this is a very common form of cancer, and my odds are good. Fortunately we have a plan in place, and I’m feeling great! I’ll continue to be as active as possible throughout these treatments, but it does mean a few shows may be affected this year, and we’ll have more information for you as soon as possible on that.
But most importantly, I wanted to say to my fellow men out there, and anyone who may be reading this — It’s important to take care of your health, and to see a doctor for checkups, especially if something is wrong. With modern medicine, these types of cancer are very survivable with proper treatment, but if you don’t get checked, you’ll never know. It’s important to do it for your family, the people around you, and those you love.
I’m sharing this message in the spirit of transparency and honesty, as you all have stuck with us throughout these 35 crazy years of music, shows, breaking up, & getting back together – we’ve even survived a pandemic together. We’ll get through this just like we have everything else. In the meantime, I want you to know I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll look forward to seeing you all out on the road again soon.
With love,
Raul