A powerful, emotional tribute at the Ryman celebrated 35 years of The Mavericks as artists honored Raul Malo amid his serious health battle. A night of music, joy and legacy.
A Night of Joy and Tribute: The Mavericks Celebrate 35 Years at the Ryman Without Raul Malo
On Friday night, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium overflowed with emotion, admiration and music as artists across genres gathered to honor Raul Malo and his legendary band, The Mavericks. What unfolded was not just a tribute concert — it was a heartfelt celebration of a group that has shaped American music for over three decades, even as its beloved frontman battles serious illness.
From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear this wasn’t an ordinary night. Singers, musicians, and longtime admirers poured onto the stage to celebrate a band whose musical fingerprints stretch through country, rock, Tex-Mex, Americana and Latin-inspired rhythms. The outpouring of respect was immediate. Maggie Rose hailed Raul Malo as “the best vocalist Nashville has ever seen.” Jim Lauderdale praised Malo’s songwriting as “one of the greatest batch of songs to be sung.” And Emily West summed up what many in the room felt: “The Mavericks are the best band in the world.”
But it was CBS journalist Anthony Mason who captured the night’s sentiment with unforgettable simplicity. “When I need an IV injection of pure joy,” he said from the stage, “I go to see The Mavericks.” On this night, that joy flowed freely — even in the absence of Malo himself.
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Celebrating 35 Years, Even in Hard Times
The two-night event, titled Dance the Night Away, marked 35 years of The Mavericks’ career. But it also carried a weight of uncertainty. The band paused its tour schedule in late September after Malo’s diagnosis with leptomeningeal disease — an advanced cancer affecting the brain and spinal cord, stemming from his Stage IV colon cancer diagnosis in 2024. On December 4, he was admitted to the hospital and unable to attend the tribute shows.
Still, guitarist Eddie Perez, drummer Paul Deakin, and keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden held the stage with a steady, heartfelt determination, honoring their bandmate with the sound they built together. Joined by rotating guest performers, they delivered a show filled with soul, swagger, precision, and unmistakable Mavericks style — a blend of rockabilly energy, country storytelling, Cuban and Latin influences, and genre-defying experimentation.
A Musical Journey Through the Mavericks Catalog
From the opening moments, the tribute carried the full force of The Mavericks’ signature sound. Seth Walker launched the night with “Back in Your Arms Again,” delivering the rock ’n’ roll punch the band is known for. The energy surged again when James Otto led a dynamic performance of “Come Unto Me,” complete with dueling accordion solos that earned roaring applause.
Texas powerhouse Joshua Ray Walker offered a stunning, emotional interpretation of “Pardon Me,” showcasing the depth of Malo’s songwriting. Meanwhile, former Mavericks member Jaime Hanna brought theatrical flair to Malo’s solo tune “Every Little Thing About You.”
The night also honored the band’s multicultural roots. Javier Mendoza delivered a lively version of “La Mucara,” infusing Spanish lyricism and Latin rhythm into the set — a nod to Malo’s Cuban American upbringing and the sonic identity he created.
One of the standout moments came when Maggie Rose joined the band for a fiery performance of “All Night Long” and later “Neon Blue.” Despite being a fan favorite, “Neon Blue,” from the 1994 album What a Crying Shame, had never been performed live before.
Rodney Crowell offered a tender moment with “I Wish You Well,” bringing a quiet poignancy to the evening. Blues icon Jimmie Vaughan electrified the Ryman with his guitar work on several songs, including the gritty “Do You Want Me To,” with JD McPherson stepping up for lead vocals.
Honoring Raul Malo With the American Eagle Award
Midway through the night, the music paused for a special presentation. Raul Malo was awarded the National Music Council’s American Eagle Award, honoring his profound contributions to American music. Past recipients include Rosanne Cash, Patti Smith, Vince Gill and Kris Kristofferson — a testament to Malo’s standing among the greats.
Representing Malo onstage were Robert Reynolds, a founding member of The Mavericks, and Scott Borchetta, the Music Row executive who helped secure the band’s first record deal. They read a letter Malo had written ahead of the show, a message filled with gratitude and reflection.
“This award is not just about accomplishments,” Malo wrote. “It’s about commitment — to creativity, to education, to keeping music alive in the hearts of people everywhere. Music has been my companion, especially on the hardest days.”
The audience, many with tears in their eyes, rose in a standing ovation.
A Joyful, Rowdy Finale
After the award presentation, the tribute surged into high gear. Chuck Mead delivered a rollicking version of Hank Williams’ “Hey Good Lookin’,” a longtime staple of Mavericks shows. Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel brought his signature Western swing energy to “Rolling Along,” while Steve Earle gave a gritty performance of “Easy as It Seems.”
To close the night, Jim Lauderdale led the crowd through two of The Mavericks’ most beloved hits — “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” and “Dance the Night Away.” Fans stood, swayed, clapped, and sang along, filling the Ryman with the joyful spirit Mason had described earlier.
It was, in every way, an emotional tribute: to a band with unmatched influence, to a frontman fighting the hardest battle of his life, and to the enduring power of music to lift spirits, bridge cultures, and connect people.
On this Friday night, The Mavericks gave the Mother Church what it has always cherished most — a room full of joy.