By Will Potter for Dailymail.Com
14:18 02 Jul 2024, Updated 15:37 02 Jul 2024
Country music band The Mavericks have canceled upcoming shows after band leader Raul Malo revealed he has cancer.
The band announced this week that several tour dates this month would be cancelled or rescheduled, after Malo, 58, announced his diagnosis in Instagram video.
He said the band members were on a “health tour” and had themselves checked by a doctor, which eventually led to the discovery of “two cancerous spots” in his digestive system.
“We will fight with all our might,” Malo said. “Stay healthy, take care of yourselves, and I will see you on the road.”
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Two shows in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on July 12 and 14 were canceled, with another show on July 13 in Denver rescheduled for late August.
Malo began his video by thanking fans for their increased support for the band this year following the release of their latest album, and made it clear that he has no plans to stop performing completely.
He said that in recent years on the road, the band members had been “in good health” and “handled themselves a little better.”
“He said we need to take better care of ourselves, try to do all the right things with nutrition, etc. So, part of the health journey is getting checked out. Go to the doctor, get a physical and go from there.”
His initial tests “led to another appointment with a gastroenterologist, which led to a CT scan… which showed two cancerous spots,” Malo said.
The 58-year-old said after his diagnosis that he was scheduled to start chemotherapy after the Fourth of July holiday, but he reassured fans that the treatment was among the most manageable cancer treatments.
“Most people are continuing to work and do their daily activities as if nothing has happened. So let’s hope for the best and hope that things will continue that way,” he added.
“The reason I’m telling you all this, one of the reasons I’m telling you all this is because some shows may be affected this year while we deal with this situation and see how the healing process goes.”
Malo concluded his video by urging his fans to get themselves tested as well.
“The most important thing is that I say this because we want all of you to get a medical checkup. Go see a doctor. Be active in your health. This will help you fight off any illness that is bothering you,” he said.
Stay healthy, take care of yourself, and I’ll see you out there on the road.
The singer and guitarist’s video has received an outpouring of support from the band’s fans, who have called for Malo to get a “speedy recovery.”
One fan commented: “I pray that the treatment is easy and the results are excellent.”
Another said: “I pray for you a lot, dear sir. Thank you for sharing this important personal message with everyone.”
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