Latest news with #TheMavericks
Metro
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Grammy-winning star battling cancer fears 'cruel' deportation under Trump law
Singer Raul Malo, who is best known as the frontman for The Mavericks, has raised concerns about his US citizenship under new laws. The Grammy-winning country singer was back on tour with his band, a year after being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment. Last July, they were forced to cancel gigs after Raul, 59, started chemotherapy, of which he had 16 rounds as per his latest update. While he's not 'out of the woods' yet, he is well enough for The Mavericks to return to touring — only to be faced with a new concern. Raul, who was born in the US, called out the 'cruelty and suffering being inflicted on the unsuspecting' after President Donald Trump's deportation bill was passed. 'Dear America, today is the day we celebrate you and what you used to stand for,' he said in a post on Instagram. 'The words 'liberty and justice for all' have faded into a distant past. 'To some of us those words were deeply personal. My family came here because of those words. I was born here because of those words. I have had an extraordinary life because of those words.' 'Now those words have lost their meaning,' stated Raul. 'They are now abstract concepts used to inflict cruelty and suffering on the unsuspecting, the weak, the sick, the poor, the needy.' He revealed that under the new law, he and his sister could be labelled 'illegal birthright citizens' if their mother is 'stripped of her naturalised citizenship'. Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' comes with a slew of tax cuts, benefitting the wealthiest while also boost funding for defence, border security and producing energy. The bill puts aside $45billion to detain undocumented people taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video It also means that immigrants — including refugees, asylees and victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence — may no longer qualify for federal benefits like Medicaid and food stamps. Addressing trolls who told him to 'shut up and sing', the 'Dance the Night Away hitmaker said: 'Well, clearly that's not happening. You see the thing is this is my country too. Always has been.' He concluded: 'This isn't about politics anymore. It's about humanity. It's about all of us. We, the people.' The week before, Raul had shared an update on his medical situation, posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed. 'First of all thank you to everyone for their kind wishes and support throughout all of this,' the There Goes My Heart singer wrote on Instagram. 'I thought I had everything under control. (Btw, that's just you lying to yourself) Then the cancer sideshows started to play out. 'My sinus infection literally brought me to my knees. I had never felt headaches like that. I went to a specialist. Got it taken care of but the residual results are a numbing of the left side of my face. Neurologist said it will repair over time. The damage is not permanent and not visible. A little drooling here and there…oh well. Perspective: I'm alive.' He also has an abdominal hernia, which is 'the most challenging', as it is 'very visible' and 'really painful' at times. More Trending '16 rounds of chemo have done what they're made to do…kill cancer,' Raul continued. 'I'm not out of the woods yet but I'm on my way.' He thanked his band for sticking by him, having reformed in 2012 after a short hiatus from 2003. The Mavericks were founded by Raul in 1992 with drummer Paul Deakin, and includes Eddie Perez on guitar and Jerry Dale McFadden on keyboards. They had breakout hits in the 90s, with single Here Comes the Rain securing a Grammy win alongside numerous nominations over the years. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Nato scrambles warplanes after Putin unleashes heaviest strikes of the war MORE: Trump complains about Putin's 'bulls***' during Ukraine peace talks MORE: Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu make me sick
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Country star battling cancer says he may be deported by Trump: 'This is my country too'
Country star Raul Malo made a serious statement as he said he may be deported by the Trump administration in the future. Over the weekend while celebrating the Fourth of July, the Mavericks lead singer shared his thoughts about what is happening in America. This comes a year after the frontman of the Grammy-winning band revealed his cancer diagnosis, sharing his prognosis after his band canceled several shows to support him during his treatment. While on tour with his country music band, Malo addressed the deportations and ICE raids happening in recent weeks in cities across the United States as he condemned the 'cruelty and suffering being inflicted on the unsuspecting.' He said that his mother 'could be stripped of her naturalized citizenship,' leaving him and his sister as 'illegal birthright citizens' to be deported under President Donald Trump 's new law. On Friday, Trump's Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law and allocates roughly $170 billion to support border control and immigration goals, per NPR, and the bill could create an influx of deportations as a result, according to Aljazeera. 'Dear America, today is the day we celebrate you and what you used to stand for. The words "liberty and justice for all" have faded into a distant past,' he began his lengthy post. 'To some of us those words were deeply personal. My family came here because of those words. I was born here because of those words. I have had an extraordinary life because of those words,' he continued. 'And now those words have lost their meaning.' Malo added: 'They are now abstract concepts used to inflict cruelty and suffering on the unsuspecting, the weak, the sick, the poor, the needy. We can add Purple Heart war veterans to that list as several have been deported already. This is America right now.' He said that his mother 'could be stripped of her naturalized citizenship' and his whole family could be deported. He also addressed trolls and said while he may be forced to leave 'whether I want to leave or not,' he will continue his passion for music and using his voice. 'Some will tell me that I should leave the country or my favorite "shut up and sing". (A statement so void of any sense that it is impossible to execute) On the "leaving" part…that may come true whether I want to leave or not. The way the new law stands my mother could be stripped of her naturalized citizenship, then my sister and I would be illegal birthright citizens and away we go.' 'As far as "shut up and sing," well, clearly that's not happening. You see the thing is this is my country too. Always has been,' he wrote before asking readers to 'think about what the Stars and Stripes mean to you.' He also asked people to consider 'the words that we're supposed to live by…The Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, our Bill of Rights' and to 'think about the food you're eating.' In his post, he said that his mother 'could be stripped of her naturalized citizenship,' leaving him and his sister as 'illegal birthright citizens' to be deported under President Donald Trump's new law 'Think about it. This isn't about politics anymore. It's about humanity. It's about all of us. We, the people. Happy Birthday America!' This comes days after he shared a health update following his cancer diagnosis last year. He revealed that he recently had a sinus infection that 'literally brought me to my knees' with the left side of his face left with temporary numbing. He also said that he has an abdominal hernia, which has been 'the most challenging in all of this' and is 'very visible ... really painful.' In his post, he went on to share with his fans that he will soon be undergoing colon surgery in August followed by another procedure later this year to repair the hernia. In spite of all of the 'challenges,' he said that he has completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy and continues to remind himself with the following message, 'Perspective: I'm alive.' He has previously kept his fans updated on his health with good news in March and also revealing he spent time in the hospital in January after the hernia developed. He also announced that same month that he had previously undergone surgery in December to remove a tumor from his liver. Last summer, he announced his cancer diagnosis on social media while on tour with his band, reminding his fans to get check-ups and take care of themselves. He said that while he and his bandmates have been on a 'health kick' while touring, he had a physical exam with a doctor, which 'led to another appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist, which led to a CAT scan. And that proved to show two cancerous spots.'
USA Today
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Willie Nelson cancels Outlaw Music Festival concert after 'extreme weather event'
Willie Nelson and his Outlaw Music Festival will have to wait a beat for their Sooner State debut. The country singer's long-running festival, which also features fellow music icon Bob Dylan, was forced to cancel its July 1 concert at the Lucky Star Amphitheater in El Reno, Oklahoma, "due to unforeseeable circumstances," according to a June 30 announcement on Nelson's social media pages. The Grammy-winning Americana band The Mavericks and New Zealand-based country singer-songwriter Tami Neilson were also set to perform on the Oklahoma tour stop. The cancellation comes after the festival encountered "an extreme weather event" on Sunday, June 29, at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri. The severe storms produced heavy rains and high winds, forcing the crowd to evacuate. 'I hated to lose him': Willie Nelson speaks out on bandmate Kris Kristofferson's death Much of the Outlaw Music Festival's equipment and musicians' instruments were damaged and waterlogged in the stormy weather, "making their condition difficult to assess in time to accurately and safely use" for the Oklahoma show, per the cancellation notice. "The potential damage has halted the festival production as they recover and replace what's necessary for the tour to resume," the post stated. "Blackbird Presents, Lucky Star Amphitheater, and DCF Concerts are disappointed to have to cancel the engagement and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause." Refunds for the July 1 concert will be issued to the point of purchase, according to the announcement. Ticketholders are asked to allow seven to 10 business days for the refund to appear on their credit card statements. Willie Nelson concertgoers forced to evacuate in Missouri amid extreme storms Winds reached up to 80 mph during the June 29 storms in Missouri, according to the Springfield News-Leader, part of the USA TODAY Network. A 20-year-old woman was reportedly killed in a neighborhood southwest of Springfield after a large tree was blown over on top of her vehicle. Taney County Sheriff Brad Daniels told the publication that minor injuries were reported at the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena from tents in the high winds. According to social media posts, the venue was evacuated due to the severe weather at about 5:15 p.m., and the Outlaw Music Festival date was postponed at about 6:50 p.m. All previously purchased tickets will be honored once the new date is announced for the Missouri show, according to the announcements. The tour is set to resume Friday, July 4, at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, Texas, as Nelson's Outlaw Music Festival converges with the Country Music Hall of Famer's annual Fourth of July Picnic and Fireworks. Willie Nelson's musical patriotism: Singer returns to the stage with Fourth of July Picnic after health concerns What is the Outlaw Music Festival? Nelson launched the Outlaw Music Festival in 2016 as a one-off event in Scranton, Pennsylvania, before taking the concept on the road the following year. Dylan was among the artists on the inaugural Outlaw fest tour, and the 2016 Nobel Prize winner rejoined the tour this year after the Oscar-nominated 2024 biopic "A Complete Unknown" renewed interest in his music. As it celebrates its impending 10th anniversary, the Outlaw Music Festival is billed as "a hallmark of authentic Americana music" that has developed into one of North America's largest annual touring franchises. Still led by Nelson, the festival unites music legends with contemporary superstars to celebrate the outlaw spirit and genre-defying music. 10 bingeable memoirs to check out: Celebrities tell all about aging, marriage and Beyoncé The 2025 tour is the largest Outlaw trek to date, with the lineup including Nelson and his family, Dylan, Sheryl Crow, The Mavericks, Neilson, Billy Strings and The Red Clay Strays. Other featured acts include Turnpike Troubadours, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Avett Brothers, Wilco, Lake Street Dive, Waxahatchee, Charles Wesley Godwin, Lucinda Williams, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Trampled by Turtles, Sierra Hull, Willow Avalon, Waylon Payne, Madeline Edwards, Lily Meola and Myron Elkins. The tour launched May 13 at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix and is scheduled to make more than 30 stops across 20-plus states before wrapping up Sept. 19 at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wisconsin.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Willie Nelson cancels Outlaw Music Festival concert after 'extreme weather event'
Willie Nelson and his Outlaw Music Festival will have to wait a beat for their Sooner State debut. The country singer's long-running festival, which also features fellow music icon Bob Dylan, was forced to cancel its July 1 concert at the Lucky Star Amphitheater in El Reno, Oklahoma, "due to unforeseeable circumstances," according to a June 30 announcement on Nelson's social media pages. The Grammy-winning Americana band The Mavericks and New Zealand-based country singer-songwriter Tami Neilson were also set to perform on the Oklahoma tour stop. The cancellation comes after the festival encountered "an extreme weather event" on Sunday, June 29, at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri. The severe storms produced heavy rains and high winds, forcing the crowd to evacuate. — Willie Nelson (@WillieNelson) June 30, 2025 'I hated to lose him': Willie Nelson speaks out on bandmate Kris Kristofferson's death Much of the Outlaw Music Festival's equipment and musicians' instruments were damaged and waterlogged in the stormy weather, "making their condition difficult to assess in time to accurately and safely use" for the Oklahoma show, per the cancellation notice. "The potential damage has halted the festival production as they recover and replace what's necessary for the tour to resume," the post stated. "Blackbird Presents, Lucky Star Amphitheater, and DCF Concerts are disappointed to have to cancel the engagement and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause." Refunds for the July 1 concert will be issued to the point of purchase, according to the announcement. Ticketholders are asked to allow seven to 10 business days for the refund to appear on their credit card statements. Winds reached up to 80 mph during the June 29 storms in Missouri, according to the Springfield News-Leader, part of the USA TODAY Network. A 20-year-old woman was reportedly killed in a neighborhood southwest of Springfield after a large tree was blown over on top of her vehicle. Taney County Sheriff Brad Daniels told the publication that minor injuries were reported at the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena from tents in the high winds. According to social media posts, the venue was evacuated due to the severe weather at about 5:15 p.m., and the Outlaw Music Festival date was postponed at about 6:50 p.m. All previously purchased tickets will be honored once the new date is announced for the Missouri show, according to the announcements. The tour is set to resume Friday, July 4, at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, Texas, as Nelson's Outlaw Music Festival converges with the Country Music Hall of Famer's annual Fourth of July Picnic and Fireworks. Willie Nelson's musical patriotism: Singer returns to the stage with Fourth of July Picnic after health concerns Nelson launched the Outlaw Music Festival in 2016 as a one-off event in Scranton, Pennsylvania, before taking the concept on the road the following year. Dylan was among the artists on the inaugural Outlaw fest tour, and the 2016 Nobel Prize winner rejoined the tour this year after the Oscar-nominated 2024 biopic "A Complete Unknown" renewed interest in his music. As it celebrates its impending 10th anniversary, the Outlaw Music Festival is billed as "a hallmark of authentic Americana music" that has developed into one of North America's largest annual touring franchises. Still led by Nelson, the festival unites music legends with contemporary superstars to celebrate the outlaw spirit and genre-defying music. 10 bingeable memoirs to check out: Celebrities tell all about aging, marriage and Beyoncé The 2025 tour is the largest Outlaw trek to date, with the lineup including Nelson and his family, Dylan, Sheryl Crow, The Mavericks, Neilson, Billy Strings and The Red Clay Strays. Other featured acts include Turnpike Troubadours, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Avett Brothers, Wilco, Lake Street Dive, Waxahatchee, Charles Wesley Godwin, Lucinda Williams, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, Trampled by Turtles, Sierra Hull, Willow Avalon, Waylon Payne, Madeline Edwards, Lily Meola and Myron Elkins. The tour launched May 13 at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix and is scheduled to make more than 30 stops across 20-plus states before wrapping up Sept. 19 at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wisconsin. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Willie Nelson concert cancelled: Country icon scraps Oklahoma show
Metro
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Country icon cancels concert after extreme weather ruins equipment
A country music icon has been forced to scrap a show later today after weather wreaked havoc to his plans. Legendary musician Willie Nelson was meant to be headline Outlaw Music Festival's 10th-anniversary event held at the Lucky Star Amphitheater in El Reno, Oklahoma on Tuesday. However, the concert has been cancelled as a result of an 'extreme weather event'. Organisers for the show – which also featured Bob Dylan, The Mavericks, and Tami Neilson on the lineup – have confirmed the axed show. Representatives for both Nelson and the Outlaw Music Festival posted a statement to their Instagram accounts on Monday night as they explained the decision. They said: 'An extreme weather event on the evening of June 29th in Ridgedale, MO at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena produced heavy rains and high winds forcing the crowd to evacuate.' The organisers noted that 'heavy rains and high winds' at the concert staged at the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, Missouri had a knock-on effect. 'Unfortunately, much of the Outlaw Music Festival's equipment and artists' instruments were damaged and waterlogged, making their condition difficult to assess in time to accurately and safely use for tomorrow's show,' they continued. 'The potential damage has halted the festival production as they recover and replace what's necessary for the tour to resume.' Organisers apologised to ticketholders, and confirmed refunds would be provided. They said: 'Blackbird Presents, Lucky Star Amphitheater, and DCF Concerts are disappointed to have to cancel the engagement and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation may cause.' Fans were quick to ask if Willie Nelson's famous guitar, Trigger, had been damaged, but his representative has insisted the instrument is fine. More Trending 'Trigger is marked SAFE from the damage suffered to other instruments and equipment in the MO storm,' they confirmed. Outlaw Music Festival is North America's largest touring music festival, with Nelson among those who played in 2024. 'I am thrilled to get back on the road again with my family and friends playing the music we love for the fans we love,' he said at the time. Thankfully for fans, Nelson and the rest of the festival are expected to be in Austin, Texas on 4 July this weekend to continue the run. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Bob Vylan claim they're being 'targeted' in new statement after Glastonbury IDF controversy MORE: Orlando Bloom hints at new beginning after Katy Perry 'split' MORE: The surprising drink nutritionist recommends for speedy festival recovery
