Indian Ranch fans moved by the death of Mavericks singer Raul Malo
WEBSTER — Fans of the rock and country The Mavericks who saw the Grammy Award-winning band's popular annual shows at Indian Ranch in Webster are among the many who have expressed sadness at the death of lead singer and guitarist Raul Malo on Dec. 8.
Malo was 60. According to the New York Times, Malo announced in June that he had Stage 4 colon cancer.
"The best concert we ever went too! They're the best! RIP Raul!" says a post on Indian Ranch's Facebook page in response to the news of Malo's death, one of well over 100 responses.
The Mavericks were formed in 1989 in Miami, disbanded in 2004, and then reformed after about an eight year spilt. The band came to Indian Ranch in 2013, and were a fan favorite for 11 years. They did not perform this year.
"We're saddened by the passing of Raul Malo. His performances with The Mavericks were such a staple for Indian Ranch fans," said Indian Ranch president Suzette Robert. "Raul and the band were always so wonderful to work with. He brought everyone so much joy and it was a pleasure to watch him have so much fun on our stage. We will miss his yearly appearances and extend our condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Mavericks team."
Malo had a powerful Roy Orbison type of voice, and was also the band's main songwriter. The Mavericks have been called a "country-steeped garage band with a Cuban American lead singer." They've also been called "the most interesting band in the world." Hits have included "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down," "Here Comes The Rain" and "Dance The Night Away." Different musical influences have combined to touching or rousing effect, but always with a musical joie de vivre.
When the Mavericks came to Indian Ranch in 2013 people did not know quite what to expect from the reconstituted band that had just resumed touring, Robert said in an earlier story. As it turned out, "Everyone who came didn't want to leave," she said.
In a review for the Telegram & Gazette of the band's 2014 show at Indian Ranch, Stuart Munro wrote that "Front man Raul Malo didn't get the name quite right — he saluted the crowd and the venue with 'thank you, beautiful people of beautiful Indian River Ranch!'— but he and the band were clearly happy to be there, playing for an audience that gave them as enthusiastic a response this year as last."
Later, Monro wrote, "Malo turned his magnificent voice up to full croon on Willie Nelson's 'Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground,' and channeled his inner Elvis with a solo rendition of 'The Wonder of You' to open the encore."
People loved Malo's voice, the show, and dancing to the music.
"My family is so so sad. We were fortunate enough to meet him many times at Indian Ranch, and can't believe we won't see them again. There is no other singer and band that made us feel so happy. The Mavericks was the family favorite. RIP Raul," said Christine Ferriera in a Facebook post.
"One of my favorite summer Sundays every year was seeing The Mavericks at Indian Ranch. Raul was one of a kind. He will be missed," wrote Erin Waters.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Indian Ranch fans sad at death of Mavericks singer Raul Malo
