Mavericks cancel shows after Raul Malo's heartbreaking diagnosis

Country music band The Mavericks have canceled their upcoming shows after frontman Raul Malo revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer. 

The band announced this week that several tour dates this month will be called off or rescheduled, after Malo, 58, announced his diagnosis in an Instagram video. 

He said the band have been on a 'health kick' and got themselves checked out with a doctor, which ultimately led to the discovery of 'two cancerous spots' in his gastrointestinal system. 

'We are going to fight this with all that we have,' Malo said. 'Stay healthy, take care of yourselves, and I'll see you out there on the road.' 

The Maverick's frontman Raul Malo revealed in an Instagram video that he has been diagnosed with cancer 

The Mavericks said they were cancelling several upcoming shows following the diagnosis 

The canceled shows are two in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on July 12 and July 14, with another show on July 13 in Denver rescheduled for late August. 

Malo began his video by thanking fans for their growing support for the band this year following the release of their latest album, and made it clear that he had no plans to stop performing altogether. 

He said that in recent years on the road, the band have been 'on a health kick' and have been 'treating ourselves a little better.' 

'Taking care out ourselves a little better, and really trying to do all the right things as far as nutrition, etcetera,' he said. 'So, part of the health journey is to get yourself checked out. Go to a doctor, take a physical and start there.' 

Malo said that his initial tests 'led to another appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist, which led to a CAT scan... and that proved to show two cancerous spots.' 

Following the diagnosis, the 58-year-old said he is set to begin chemotherapy after the Fourth of July holiday, but reassured fans that the treatment is among the most manageable of all cancer therapies. 

'Most people continue working and their daily activity as if nothing,' he continued. 'So let’s hope for the best and let’s hope that it goes that way.

'The reason I’m telling you all this, one of the reasons I’m telling you all this is that some of the shows may be effected this year as we navigate this situation and see how the therapy goes.' 

Malo reassured fans that he is receiving 'the best care possible', and the type of chemotherapy he is receiving is among the least invasive of all cancer treatments 

Malo concluded his video by urging his fans to also get themselves checked up. 

'Most importantly I’m saying this because we want you all to get checked out. Go see a doctor. Be proactive in your health. It will help fight whatever ails you,' he said. 

'Stay healthy, take care of yourselves, and I'll see you out there on the road.' 

The singer and guitarist's video was met with a wave of support from the band's fans, as they called for Malo to make a 'speedy recovery.' 

'Praying for ease of treatment and excellent results,' one fan commented. 

Another said: 'Many prayers for you dear sir. Thank you for sharing this important personal message to all.'