Raul Malo, the charismatic lead singer and guitarist of the acclaimed band The Mavericks, has passed away at the age of 60.

The band announced Malo’s passing on December 8th in a heartfelt statement released on Tuesday. They expressed that his spirit will continue to resonate “through the music, joy, and light he brought forth,” ensuring his legacy endures.

While the statement did not specify the cause of death, it is known that Malo revealed his battle with colon cancer last summer.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend, bandmate, and brother Raul Malo, who left us on December 8, 2025, at the age of 60,” The Mavericks conveyed in their message.

“Anyone fortunate enough to have been in Raul’s presence knew he was a dynamic force of nature, exuding infectious energy. Over a career spanning more than thirty years, he entertained millions worldwide. His remarkable creative contributions and unparalleled talent crafted a unique blend of multicultural American music that transcended borders,” the band reflected.

‘While his spirited performances garnered a massive & loyal following, and his powerful songwriting and musicianship earned multiple Grammy, ACM, and CMA awards, it was his lifelong commitment to the preservation of the multi-lingual American musical repertoire of which he was most proud, making history in 2020 with the first album ever to debut at the top of both the Latin Pop and Folk-Americana charts. 

Raul Malo, frontman of The Mavericks, has passed at the age of 60; pictured June 2022 in Austin

‘It was this commitment, along with his steadfast championing of music education as an inspiration for every child across America and throughout the world, for which Raul was honored with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Music Council of the United States’ American Eagle Award.

‘Though his earthly body may have passed, Raul’s spirit will live on forever in heaven, and here on earth through the music, joy, and light he brought forth. His contributions to American and Latin music will be everlasting, as his songs and voice touched fans and fellow artists around the world.

‘Raul is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Betty; sons Dino, Victor, and Max, mother Norma, sister Carol, and Mavericks bandmates Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden.

‘The family thanks everyone for their love & support, and asks for privacy at this time.’ 

Malo announced his cancer diagnosis last year, telling fans in a video that his doctor found ‘two cancerous spots’ in his gastrointestinal system. 

The singer later underwent liver surgery in December 2024 and was briefly hospitalized again in February 2025 due to complications from that procedure, prompting further cancellations at the time, per AL.com. 

In April, he confirmed that the illness had progressed to stage 4. 

While the band has cancelled several shows since his diagnosis, he has continued to perform when possible throughout to 2024 and 2025. 

The Mavericks, best known for their genre-blending hits like Dance the Night Away, have not yet announced whether other tour dates will be affected.

Malo played along with bandmates Paul Deakin on drum, Jerry Dale McFadden on keyboard and vocals and Eddie Perez, lead guitar and vocals.

The Mavericks formed in Miami in 1989. Their unique sound blends rock & roll, country, and R&B with Tex-Mex twang, Cuban rhythms, Jamaican ska, and other Latin influences.

They have charted 15 times on the American Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

‘For decades the band has created the kind of multicultural Americana that reaches far beyond America itself,’ as per their site.

Malo, who is known for his rich baritone voice, co-produced and wrote many of the songs on their latest album.

Malo announced his cancer diagnosis last year, telling fans in a video that his doctor found ‘two cancerous spots’ in his gastrointestinal system; pictured May 2024 in Berlin

Malo played along with bandmates Paul Deakin on drum, Jerry Dale McFadden on keyboard and vocals and Eddie Perez, lead guitar and vocals; pictured 2009