Country Singer Raul Malo Faces New Health Challenge
Raul Malo, the well-known voice behind The Mavericks, has shared some difficult news about his health. The singer, who first told the public about his colon cancer earlier this year, revealed that he’s now dealing with a rare complication called leptomeningeal disease (LMD). This condition means that cancer cells have spread to the fluid and membranes surrounding his brain and spinal cord.
Malo, age 60, explained in a recent social media post that this new development has led to the cancellation of The Mavericks’ tour dates for the rest of 2025. The only exceptions are two shows scheduled for December. He wants to focus all his energy on fighting this disease and taking care of himself.
“As it goes with cancer, it’s a very unpredictable and indiscriminatory disease,” Malo said. He also mentioned that he’ll be starting radiation treatment soon and is considering chemotherapy and other alternative treatments.
While the tour is canceled, Malo assured fans that The Mavericks will still be working on other projects. This includes releasing live recordings and new merchandise.
Malo also expressed his gratitude to Dwight Yoakam and his team, with whom The Mavericks had been touring. He apologized for not being able to complete the tour as planned.
Looking ahead, Malo encouraged fans to hold on to their tickets for The Mavericks’ shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in December. He hinted that they’re planning something special for those performances.
Despite the serious nature of his condition, Malo remains positive. He emphasized that he’s surrounded by love and support from his family, friends, bandmates, and fans.
Malo also shared a message of hope and resilience. “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,” he said, vowing to continue fighting and recovering. He urged everyone to find kindness and empathy, reminding people that there is still good in the world, despite what they might see on TV.


