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The Mavericks have canceled and rescheduled a string of their concert dates amid frontman Raul Malo’s ongoing health issues.
Last week, the country singer shared a video with fans, announcing that he had been diagnosed with cancer while urging everyone watching to get themselves checked out.
The group – also made up of Eddie Perez, Jerry Dale McFadden and Paul Deakin – have been on the Moon and Stars tour across the US for the last few months, but were forced to change or call off some performances while the 58-year-old focuses on his recovery.
It has been confirmed that upcoming appearances in Aspen and Steamboat Springs, on July 12 and July 14 respectively, have been canceled, while their scheduled date in Denver on July 13 will now take place on August 25.
Raul shared the news of his illness in a video on Instagram, which he began by thanking fans for supporting the Mavericks’ new music.
‘With that, I’d like to share some personal news,’ he said. ‘In the last couple of years, we out here on the road have been on a health kick, treating ourselves a little better, taking care out ourselves a little better, and really trying to do all the right things as far as nutrition.
Raul Malo revealed his devastating cancer diagnosis on Instagram (Picture: Getty)
‘Part of the health journey is to get yourself checked out. Go to a doctor, take a physical and start there. We did and that led to another appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist, which led to a colonoscopy, which led to a CAT scan, and that proved to show two cancerous spots.’
‘The doctors have all agreed that I start therapy after the 4th of July. One of the reasons I’m telling you all this is some of the shows may be affected this year as we navigate this situation and see how the therapy goes,’ he continued.
‘They have told me that this chemotherapy is the least intrusive of all of them. Most people continue working and their daily activity as if nothing. So, let’s hope for the best and let’s hope that it goes that way.
‘At the end of the day, I feel like I’m getting the best care possible. We are going to fight this with all that we have. Most importantly, I’m saying this because we want you all to get checked out. Go see a doctor, be proactive in your health.
‘Stay healthy, take care of yourselves, and I’ll see you out there on the road.’
Fans rushed to offer Raul their support (Picture: Getty)
In a separate statement provided to Billboard, Raul explained that doctors reassured him that his cancer is ‘very common’ and his ‘odds are good’.
He insisted that they have a ‘plan in place’ for his recovery, and that he is also feeling ‘great’.
‘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, and getting back together – we’ve even survived a pandemic together,’ he concluded.
‘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.’
Right on cue, fans and loved ones flooded the Instagram post with support and love for the music icon, with many urging him to get better soon.
Raul’s wife, Betty Malo, led the way, with a heartfelt message: ‘My love….. we get through this just like everything else. Floods, hurricanes, tours, fires……. Nothing holds us back! I love you.’
Tori Pierce Hunter penned: ‘Incredibly brave and bold move to share such a personal and private thing in such a way as to encourage others to take care of themselves!
‘Sending you positive vibes and only the best juju! You’ll have the Maverick Nation behind you!!’
Carolinachickadeeinatx agreed: ‘You are surrounded by the biggest Raul Malo champions on the planet!! – all here to lift you up & support you. You are so loved!!!’
As Dizzy_diross added: ‘Kick cancers butt!!! You got this Raul. All the Mavs fans are behind you, supporting you all the way.’
The Mavericks were first formed in 1989 and began touring around Miami – they released their self-titled debut album the following year.
They made the move to Nashville in 1991 after landing a record contract, and dropped their second album, From Hell to Paradise, in 1992.
Their most popular singles include O What A Thrill, All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down, There Goes My Heart and What A Crying Shame.
In 1995, they earned their first Grammy nomination for best country performance by a duo or group – they eventually won a trophy in the same category in 1996, for Here Comes the Rain.
The group are still going strong and released their latest record, Moon and Stars, on May 17.
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