Mavericks Lead Singer Raul Malo Suspends 2025 Concerts, Battles Leptomeningeal Disease
At age 60, Raul Malo, lead
singer of The Mavericks, has made the difficult decision to cancel all
remaining concerts for 2025 (with one potential exception), following a serious
new development in his cancer battle.
Malo revealed on Instagram that his condition
has changed in a frightening way: the cancer has advanced into his central
nervous system, the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. This condition,
known as leptomeningeal disease (LMD),
is a rare but aggressive complication in which malignant cells infiltrate the
protective layers (the leptomeninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
“I want to update you all on my health, as
things have taken a turn,” he wrote.
“I’ve developed something called LMD – which stands for ‘get this sh‑t out of
my head.’”
Malo emphasized that LMD’s arrival marks a serious escalation in his fight, and
that he must now prioritize rest and healing: “It’s time to … rest &
recover, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
As a result of this diagnosis, The Mavericks have announced that all scheduled shows for the remainder of 2025 are being canceled—except for two performances at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium in December, which Malo hints might still go forward. He encouraged fans holding tickets for those shows to hang onto them, promising a special experience and suggesting more announcements may follow.
A Battle That Began Earlier
Malo’s cancer journey became public in mid‑2024,
when he disclosed a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. At that time, he had
already begun treatments, including surgery to remove a liver tumor.
Over the months, Malo’s health has forced
periodic cancellations and reschedulings. In early September 2025, The
Mavericks had to cancel shows in Las Vegas and Santa Fe as he recuperated from
surgery. Further cancellations followed in New Haven, Boston, and other East
Coast cities after doctors instructed him to stay off the road. At times, the
band had hoped he could return to the stage, but the unpredictable nature of
his illness made that impossible.
Despite the setbacks, The Mavericks did manage to perform earlier in 2025—such as a concert in Atlanta—though Malo's condition limited both his stamina and ability to maintain a full touring schedule. The delicate balance between recovery and performance became harder to sustain as his disease progressed.
What LMD Means—and What Lies Ahead
Leptomeningeal disease is a devastating
complication of cancer, occurring when tumor cells invade the cerebrospinal
fluid and the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The
prognosis is often poor, and treatment options are limited and complex. Overall outcomes vary
depending on the type of primary tumor and the patient’s condition. New
experimental therapies—such as antibody–drug conjugates targeting brain
metastases—are under investigation, but LMD remains one of oncology’s most
difficult frontiers.
Malo’s admission shows he understands the
seriousness of his situation, but he also demonstrates resolve and
transparency. He has been open about his health journey throughout, and now
more than ever, he is leaning on medical care and the support of his fans.
Despite this dramatic turn, the possibility of the December Ryman shows still being performed gives fans a glimmer of hope—and suggests that Malo is not giving up. His commitment to announcing “something special” indicates that, even amid serious illness, he wants to remain connected with his audience.
What This Means for Fans
·
All Mavericks concerts for 2025 are
canceled—excluding the tentative December dates in Nashville.
·
If those Ryman shows still go ahead,
ticket-holders are advised to keep their tickets safe.
·
Follow The Mavericks’ official channels for
updates on Malo’s health, potential rescheduling, or special announcements.
This latest development is a painful setback—but it’s also a testament to the uncertainty and heartbreak of battling aggressive cancer. Malo’s transparency and the band’s compassion toward fans reflect the deep bond between artist and audience. At its core, this story is not just about a music tour lost, but about courage, vulnerability, and the will to keep fighting even when the path forward is murky.
