7 min read
Raul Malo, the beloved frontman of The Mavericks, has always been known for his powerful voice and infectious energy on stage.
But now, he’s showing his strength in a different way—facing a health battle that has forced him to take a step back from performing.
The 59-year-old singer recently shared an update about his journey with cancer, announcing the difficult decision to cancel The Mavericks’ highly anticipated appearance at the Sandy Beaches Cruise this weekend.
While fans will miss seeing him on stage, Malo’s honesty about his recovery reminds us all of the importance of health and healing.
Follow along to uncover more details!
In a heartfelt video, Malo opened up about his ongoing recovery after undergoing surgery on December 10 to remove a tumor from his liver.
“I’m feeling strong, even though I’m in a little bit of discomfort,” he shared, adding that the healing process has made it challenging to play guitar and sing. “Like, it’s hard to hold a guitar up to my body. I don’t even know if I could sing.”
The procedure was a success, but the road to full recovery comes with its challenges.
Doctors recommended four to six weeks of rest, and performing this weekend would have been too soon for the singer.
Still, Malo exuded positivity, reassuring fans that brighter days are ahead.
Malo first shared his diagnosis last June, revealing that his type of cancer, while common, is very treatable.
Since then, he has kept fans updated on his journey, blending music updates with heartfelt health check-ins.
In August, following his second round of chemotherapy, Malo expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support he’d received.
“The love and compassion shown to me in the last month has not only been touching, it has been beautifully overwhelming,” he wrote, adding a heartfelt reminder for fans to take their health seriously.

After this weekend’s canceled appearance, Malo and the band have some downtime before their next set of shows.
The Mavericks are scheduled to kick off six performances in February, starting on February 6.
This break will give Malo the time he needs to focus on his recovery and return to the stage stronger than ever.
The Mavericks are a Grammy Award-winning country music band known for blending traditional country, rockabilly, Latin, and pop influences into a distinctive sound.
Formed in 1989 in Miami, the band is led by Raul Malo, whose powerful vocals and diverse style have become the group’s signature.
Over the years, The Mavericks have gained a loyal following, earning hits like “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” and “O What a Thrill.”
Their live performances, packed with infectious energy and genre-defying sounds, have become a hallmark of their legacy.
Despite the ups and downs of the music industry, The Mavericks continue to evolve, pushing musical boundaries and maintaining a reputation for originality and versatility.
Despite this difficult period, Malo’s optimism shines through.
In his video, he reassured fans of his determination to return to the spotlight while reminding everyone to prioritize their physical health.
Cancer is a battle no one chooses, but Malo’s resilience and open dialogue about his treatment have inspired fans to show an incredible outpouring of love and support.
Many have taken to social media to share messages of encouragement, stories of their own battles, and memories of seeing Malo light up the stage.
As Raul Malo focuses on healing, his music continues to be a source of comfort for fans.
From timeless hits to soulful ballads, The Mavericks have a special place in the hearts of their audience.
While this weekend will be quieter without Malo’s iconic voice leading the way, fans are looking forward to February when the band is set to return with a refreshed energy and the same magic that has captivated listeners for over three decades.
Let’s all take a moment to send Raul our thoughts, prayers, and well wishes as he takes the time he needs to recover.
His journey is a reminder of the power of perseverance—and the beauty of the community rallying around him.
| Artist | Health Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Carly Pearce | Pericarditis | Diagnosed in May 2024; inflammation of the heart lining. Monitors heart rate carefully on stage. |
| Colt Ford | Heart Problems, Cancer & Autoimmune Disease | Survived a near-fatal heart attack in April 2024, flatlining twice. Previously battled eye cancer and Myasthenia Gravis. |
| Mark Chesnutt | Heart Problems | Underwent emergency quadruple bypass surgery in June 2024. Has canceled future appearances to focus on recovery. |
| Shania Twain | Lyme Disease | Contracted in 2003. Battled vocal issues due to dysphonia and underwent throat surgery, enabling her to return to performing. |
| Randy Travis | Aphasia | Suffered a stroke in 2013, impacting his speech and singing. Released a single in 2024 with the assistance of AI. |
| Alan Jackson | Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease | Degenerative nerve condition diagnosed in 2021, causing instability. He may stop performing after 2025. |
| Willie Nelson | Emphysema | Struggles with severe breathing issues but continues performing at 91. Quit smoking marijuana in 2019. |
| Clay Walker | Multiple Sclerosis (MS) | Diagnosed in 1996. Defied prognosis and remains active. Founded Band Against MS to raise awareness and funds. |
| John Driskell Hopkins | Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) | Revealed his ALS diagnosis in 2022. Launched Hop on a Cure foundation to raise funds for research. |
| Trace Adkins | Heart Problems | Survived being shot in the heart by his second wife. Has regular heart checkups due to the long-term effects. |
| Eric Paslay | Type 1 Diabetes | Diagnosed at age 10. Maintains a busy performance and songwriting career while managing his condition. |
| RaeLynn | Type 1 Diabetes | Advocates for fundraising and awareness for diabetes while thriving in her career. |
| Kris Kristofferson | Lyme Disease | Initially misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s/dementia. Improved after proper treatment. Passed away in 2024 at age 88. |
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