Mavericks power forward Raul Malo told fans Thursday that he has been diagnosed with cancer. In both a statement to Rolling rock 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 catoscopy.
“Obviously, this is not the news I was hoping to receive or share with all of you. But I have a great team of doctors and health professionals here in Nashville. I have been assured that this is a very common form of cancer and my chances are good,” Malo said.
Malo emphasized 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 be examined. Go to a doctor. Be proactive in your health,” he said. “It will help you fight whatever ails you.”
Formed in 1989, Mavericks – consisting of Malo, drummer Paul Deakin, keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden and guitarist Eddie Perez – are one of music's most eclectic bands, blending country, rock, Tex-Mex and Cuban. influence of their homeland. Miami to create a lively and often dance-ready sound. In May they released their latest album, Moon & starsan album full of rhythmic drums, bright brass and Malo's rich, dynamic voice, led by the single “Live Close By (Visit Often).”
As a result of Malo's diagnosis and treatment, he said some dates on the Mavericks' current tour will be affected, but 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. “Be healthy, take care of yourself and I'll see you on the road.”
The Mavericks are canceling two shows in Colorado, one on July 12 in Aspen and the other on July 14 in Steamboat Springs. The July 13th date in Denver will be rescheduled for August 25th.
Tonight, the band will play Syracuse, New York, before heading to Hammondsport, New York, for a show on June 29th. The band will also perform at the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4 in Boston.
Malo's health problems come a year after co-founder Deakin underwent heart and brain surgery, taking some time away from the drum kit. He is currently back on tour with the band.
Read Malos' full statement here:
Hi to all,
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 loved these new tunes as much as we enjoyed playing them on the road this summer.
I also wanted to share some personal news. Recently, the doctors found some cancerous spots in my digestive system. Obviously, this is not the news I was hoping to receive or share with you all. But I have a great team of doctors and health professionals here in Nashville. I was assured that this is a very common form of cancer and my chances are good. Luckily we have a plan in place and it feels great! I will continue to be as active as possible in these treatments, but this means that some shows may be affected this year and we will have more information for you as soon as possible.
But more importantly, I wanted to say to my fellow humans out there, and to anyone who might be reading this — It's important to take care of your health and see a doctor for checkups, especially if something isn't right. With modern medicine, these types of cancer are very survivable with proper treatment, but if you don't get screened, you'll never know. It is important to do it for your family, the people around you and the ones you love.
I share this message in the spirit of openness and honesty, as you've all stuck with us through these 35 crazy years of music, gigs, breakups and togetherness – we've even survived a pandemic together. We'll get through it like 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 the road again soon.
With love,
Raoul
from our partners at https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/mavericks-singer-raul-malo-cancer-diagnosis-1235047167/
