Steve Harwell, the former lead vocalist of the iconic rock band Smash Mouth, is currently under hospice care. The 56-year-old singer is resting at his home and receiving care from his fiancée and hospice professionals. The family has requested privacy during this challenging period.
The news was first brought to light by TMZ, which revealed that Harwell had reached the final stage of liver failure, primarily due to a history of alcohol abuse.
In October 2021, Steve Harwell gained widespread attention when he declared his retirement from Smash Mouth, following a controversial appearance at a beer and wine festival. At The Big Sip event in New York, a video became viral, capturing Harwell in a state of speech impairment, using offensive language towards the audience, and making a hand gesture resembling a “Nazi salute.”
During that period, Harwell’s representatives contended that the video had taken his actions out of context and portrayed the singer unfairly. They also revealed that Harwell had been contending with health problems for eight years, stemming from his diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. This heart condition had resulted in serious medical complications, including heart failure and acute Wernicke encephalopathy, which had a significant impact on his ability to speak and remember. During his performance in 2021, Harwell experienced various symptoms associated with his medical condition.
In a statement, Steve Harwell expressed his deep desire to continue performing despite his health challenges but admitted his inability to do so effectively. He thanked his bandmates and expressed his excitement about Smash Mouth’s future, indicating that he would be a devoted fan of the band.
Smash Mouth rose to prominence during the late 1990s when they released their first major-label album, “Fush Yu Mang,” achieving sales of more than two million copies. Their subsequent release, “Astro Lounge,” included the chart-topping “All Star,” featured on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, the band played a notable role in the soundtrack of the animated movie “Shrek” in 2001 with their music.
Harwell’s distinctive voice and Smash Mouth’s unique sound left an indelible mark on the music scene of their era. Despite his health struggles, Harwell remained dedicated to his fans and the art of performance.
Since Steve Harwell’s departure from the band in 2021, Smash Mouth has continued to perform with their new lead vocalist, Zach Goode.
Steve Harwell’s legacy as an iconic figure in the music industry continues, and he is remembered for his contributions to the world of rock and pop music.