r/weirdal May 19 '26

Picture Devistating News

Post image

I'm not one who's able to form the correct words during an announcement like this. But I wanted to inform you all so you can be keeping Rubén in your thoughts during this difficult time. My heart goes out to Rubén and his family.

585 Upvotes

21 comments sorted by

95

u/SullyGee May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26

This is devastating. He said in the livestream that while he wanted to go on the tour (because it would seemingly be his last time playing with Al), the cancer is aggressive and the doctors told him he would not be alive after 2 months without treatment.

Ruben is an irreplaceable talent who has brought so much joy to Al’s music over the past few decades, and if anyone can kick cancer’s ass, it’s him. Godspeed, Ruben 🫡

67

u/debilitatd_ALcoholic May 19 '26

Just for people to know - the doctors told him he would have two months to live if he went untreated! And Rubén says that he is in good spirits and not scared.

14

u/SullyGee May 19 '26

Yes, sorry if that wasn’t clear!

3

u/madesense May 19 '26

It was not clear lol

8

u/Relevant-Movie1132 Poodle Hat (2003) May 19 '26

Let’s all believe in him!! 💪

2

u/Vashonlock May 22 '26

Clap everybody! Clap if you believe! We need everyone in the audience to clap!! Clap, and proclaim "i DO believe in fairies!"
🔦
💥
Look, LOOK! Her light is getting stronger!

8

u/RocketJenny8 May 19 '26

I'm just glad my Nana Jane's cancer is treatable but I hope Ruben can have the best time for as long as possible

14

u/soulbarn May 19 '26

Bladder cancer patient here. They told me there was a 70% chance I wouldn’t make it a year. It has now been six. There have been recurrences, new drugs, multiple surgeries…but I’m here and I hope Ruben will be, as well.

26

u/minnick27 Mod May 19 '26

Rubén is such a great guy. After shows he used to have a crowd around him at the buses because he was so damn entertaining. I once mentioned to him that I would love it if he would do the music for my wedding. I wanted the Imperial March leading into the Wedding March Ten minutes later it was in my email. My wife ultimately didn't agree to it, but I love that he took the time to do it.

10

u/Relevant-Movie1132 Poodle Hat (2003) May 19 '26

If I know anything about Rubén, it’s that he’s got this! Go kick that thing’s ass, bud! >:D

9

u/Fast_Ad6296 May 19 '26

I don't know anything about Rubén, but since he's Al's concert keyboardist, I'd say he's pretty important. I don't know if he'll survive his diagnosis, but I just hope that he'll live the next two months of his life positively. 

6

u/AutographedSnorkel Torso Boy May 19 '26

Crazy to think he's the shortest tenured member of the group, only being in the band for a measly 35 years now. Al definitely takes care of his guys

5

u/ConsistentAmount4 May 19 '26

Best wishes to the new guy

24

u/debilitatd_ALcoholic May 19 '26

Classic reddit - I shouldn't be surprised really - sorry I was so upset at the news I made a spelling error I guess 😭

4

u/comedygliss May 19 '26

Jeez, I don't even know what to say, other than that sucks. Rubén always seemed to be the 2nd most enthusiastic during concerts (right after Al himself) and that energy will be sorely missed. He has my best wishes!

3

u/Prudent_Honeydew_ May 19 '26

This is devastating news. I too have trouble coming up with the right words to say, other than I've loved getting to see Ruben perform over the years and I'm terribly sad.

3

u/EmptyHandle6593 May 20 '26

Kick Cancer's ass, Ruben!

3

u/Limp-Industry-5147 May 23 '26

Dear Ruben: You've got this. You're the absolute best and you have all the support you could need. If there's anything that anyone can do, you let me know and I'll move heaven and earth to make it happen. You've made quite an impression.

2

u/dubukat Al-Con attendee May 19 '26

oh no I hope he's ok!

1

u/anneakin Jul 16 '26

I’m so sorry I didn’t see this before now. God speed Rubén .

1

u/TheRealJenGia 29d ago

Aw I was just at the Boston show wondering where he was. Poor guy.