Mavericks frontman and guitarist Raul Malo shared with fans on Thursday (June 27) that he is undergoing treatment for cancer. In a video posted to the group official Instagram pageMalo noted that the cancer was detected after he underwent a physical, catoscopy and colonoscopy.
In a statement written by Malo to fans (and given to Advertising sign), the singer further shared, “Recently, doctors found some cancerous spots in my digestive system. Obviously, this is not the news I was hoping to receive or share with all of you.”
However, Malo was quick to tell fans that he is surrounded by a top team of doctors and health professionals in Nashville, adding: “I've been assured that it's a very common form of cancer and my chances are good. Luckily, we have a plan 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 about this.”
Malo added, “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.” he continued, “We'll get through this just like we have everything else. In the meantime, I want you to know that I'm not going anywhere and I look forward to seeing you all back on the road soon.”
Malo also thanked fans for their support of the group's recent 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 on tour this year in support of the album, but noted that some shows will have to be canceled or postponed. Shows in Aspen, Colorado (scheduled 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 scheduled in Los Angeles, Dallas and Detroit, as well as a pair of shows at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium on December 6-7.
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 leading up to the release of their self-titled debut album in 1990, the Mavericks became known for mixing genres from 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.” The band has seen five of its albums reach the top 10 on Billboard's top country chart, including in 2015 Only. In 2020, the group leaned into their Latin roots with the release of the project In Spain.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/country/the-mavericks-lead-singer-raul-malo-health-update-1235720646/
