Beloved Country Music Star, 60, Cancels All Shows As Cancer Has ‘Taken a Turn’

Mavericks frontman Raul Malohas been courageously battling stage 4 colon cancer, but the road to recovery has been challenging. On Wednesday, September 24, Malo shared a tough update with his fans: due to his ongoing health issues, the band will be canceling all remaining concerts for the year.

“I want to update you all on my health, as things have taken a turn,” Malo wrote to his followers on Instagram.

He revealed that he has developed leptomeningeal disease (LMD) — a serious condition that occurs when cancer cells invade the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

“As it goes with cancer, it’s a very unpredictable and indiscriminatory disease. I’ve developed something called LMD, which stands for ‘get this sh-t out of my head.’”

Malo explained that while this diagnosis is serious, he is focusing on rest and recovery as he continues his treatment. “It’s time to take your words to heart of resting & recovering, so that’s what I’m going to do,” he wrote.

Since his original diagnosis, The Mavericks have continued to tour, but now, the band has announced that all remaining concerts scheduled for 2025 will be canceled. However, there are two exceptions; shows at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium in December.

Malo encouraged fans to hold on to their tickets for those performances, hinting at a comeback in the works. “Hang on to your tickets for the Ryman in December, as we are planning something special there, and hope to announce that very soon,” Malo wrote.

Along with his message, Malo shared a video of himself strumming the guitar, reminding fans that he still remains connected to his music despite the challenges he’s facing.

Throughout it all, Malo is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from fans around the world. “I am in no way alone, or scared,” he said. “We don’t know what this will look like a couple months from now, but we are going into it like we have with everything else. Full steam ahead. Fight, recover, rest, repeat.”

He also shared a heartfelt reminder to find empathy wherever possible, saying, “Humans are alright, even if you don’t believe it from what you see on TV.”

Fans have taken note and responded with encouragement, flooding his page with messages like, “Sending strength and peace,” and “Wishing you a smooth therapy and speedy recovery.”

The news comes after the band revealed earlier this month that their September 4 performance at Las Vegas’ Big Blues Bender would be rescheduled for next year. Meanwhile, the September 6 concert in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was canceled, with refunds available for ticket holders.

“We apologize sincerely for any inconvenience this may cause, and appreciate everyone’s continued understanding this year,” the band’s statement read on Instagram. “We look forward to bringing you the show you know and love as soon as we possibly can.”

The band plans to take a touring break in early 2026 to allow Malo to focus on what they hope will be the last stage of his cancer treatment.

This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.