The Mavericks launch The Music Lives On Tour honoring late singer Raul Malo, with founding member Robert Reynolds returning alongside guest vocalists James O...
- May 6, 2026
AceShowbiz - The The Mavericks are set to embark on a new tour celebrating the legacy of their late lead singer and co-founder, Raul Malo, who passed away after battling cancer last year. The upcoming trek, named The Music Lives On Tour, will include the return of founding member Robert Reynolds, who previously left the band in 2014.
The tour lineup will feature Reynolds rejoining fellow Mavericks co-founders — drummer Paul Deakin, guitarist Eddie Perez, and keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden — alongside two guest vocalists, James Otto and Emily West, who will share lead singing duties throughout the shows.
Both Otto and West earned high praise following their standout performances at a pair of tribute concerts held last December at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium in honor of Malo. In a statement, Deakin described the singers as "undeniable talents" who delivered "standing ovation performances." He added, "Add to that their love and respect for Raul, and the Mavericks made them our top choice to come on the road with us for this first leg of The Music Lives On Tour." He expressed excitement about the upcoming shows, anticipating "many memorable, joyous nights onstage" as they celebrate both Raul Malo and the enduring spirit of the band.
James Otto, a veteran of the Nashville music scene, possesses a voice reminiscent of Malo's smooth baritone style. Notably, Otto achieved country radio success in 2007 with the hit single "Just Got Started Lovin' You." Meanwhile, Emily West is known for her 2008 hit "Rocks in Your Shoes" and impressed audiences with her energetic rendition of "Dance the Night Away" during the Ryman tribute concerts.
The Music Lives On Tour is scheduled to commence in July with two shows in Kansas City, Missouri. It will then make stops in cities such as Austin, Orlando, and Milwaukee before concluding in November in Madison, Wisconsin. This tour marks a significant moment for the band as they honor their late frontman’s memory while bringing fresh energy through their guest vocalists and returning member.
Raul Malo died on December 8, 2025, at the age of 60. As noted in a Rolling Stone tribute, he was recognized for having one of music’s most powerful and dynamic voices and was affectionately known as "El Maestro" by fans and bandmates alike. His emotive singing style could captivate audiences, moving them from silence to standing ovations.
With founding members Robert Reynolds and Paul Deakin alongside Malo, the Mavericks built a reputation for being a versatile and eclectic group. Their ability to shift seamlessly between country, rock, and dance genres made them some of the most entertaining performers in the music scene.
The Music Lives On Tour promises to be a heartfelt celebration of the band’s rich history, the impact of Raul Malo, and the continued evolution of their sound with new voices joining their journey.
This article is based on reporting originally published by Rolling Stone.