Country band The Mavericks have cancelled their upcoming shows after frontman Raul Malo announced he has been diagnosed with cancer.
The band announced this week that several tour dates this month have been canceled or postponed after Malo, 58, announced his diagnosis in a Instagram video.
He said the band members had been given a “health boost” and had undergone medical checkups, which eventually led to the discovery of “two cancerous sites” in his gastrointestinal tract.
“We’re going to fight this with everything we have,” Malo said. “Stay healthy, take care of yourself and I’ll see you on the road.”
The Maverick frontman Raul Malo revealed in an Instagram video that he has been diagnosed with cancer
The Mavericks said they would cancel several upcoming shows following the diagnosis
Malo began his video by thanking his fans for their growing support for the band this year, following the release of their latest album. He also made it clear that he has no plans to stop performing altogether.
He said the band has been on “a health kick” in recent years on tour and “treating themselves a little better.”
“We need to take better care of ourselves and really try to do everything right in terms of nutrition and so forth,” he said. “So part of the health journey is to get yourself checked out. Go to a doctor, get a physical, and start there.”
Malo said his initial tests “led to another appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist, who ordered a CAT scan … which showed two areas of cancer.”
Following his diagnosis, the 58-year-old said he will begin chemotherapy after the Fourth of July, but assured fans that the treatment is among the most manageable of all cancer therapies.
“Most people are continuing to work and go about their daily activities as if nothing happened,” he continued. “So let’s hope for the best and let’s hope that it goes like this.
“The reason I’m telling you all this, one of the reasons I’m telling you all this, is because some shows this year may be impacted as we work through this situation and see how the therapy goes.”
Malo assured his fans that he is receiving “the best possible care” and that the type of chemotherapy he is receiving is one of the least invasive cancer treatments available.
Malo concluded his video by urging his fans to get tested as well.
“The most important thing is I’m saying this because we want all of you to get checked out. Go to a doctor. Be proactive about your health. It will help you fight whatever is wrong with you,” he said.
‘Stay healthy, take care of yourself and see you on the road.’
The singer and guitarist’s video was met with much support from the band’s fans, who called on Malo to ‘make a speedy recovery’.
“I’m praying for easy treatment and excellent results,” one fan wrote.
Another said: ‘Many prayers for you dear sir. Thank you for sharing this important personal message with everyone.’
The canceled shows affect two dates in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on July 12 and 14. Another show on July 13 in Denver has been rescheduled for late August.