Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell‘s family and friends have reportedly gathered at the “All Star” hitmaker’s bedside to say their final goodbyes. News began spreading this weekend that the singer had been placed in Hospice Care with stage four liver failure.
Fans are heartbroken today, according to TMZ, after learning that Smash Mouth’s singer has just days left to live. Reports reveal that Steve Harwell, 56, has battled alcohol abuse throughout his life. The band’s manager, Robert Hayes, shared the news on Sunday, September 3. He states that Steve has reached the final stage of liver failure.
Hayes spoke with The Sun, stating, “Steve is resting at home and being cared for by his fiancé [Esther Campbell] and hospice care. He is surrounded by Family and Friends.”
The band’s manager added: “My only additional comment is that we would hope that people would respect Steve and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Smash Mouth Singer’s Health Battles Go Back Years
Steve Harwell’s medical issues go back several years. In October 2021, he announced his retirement from Smash Mouth following a fumbled performance at a beer and wine festival. Harwell’s reps his health issues stem from his cardiomyopathy diagnosis. He was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 2013.
The heart disease reportedly led to “serious medical setbacks” for Harwell, including heart failure and acute Wernicke encephalopathy, the latter of which affected his speech and memory.
Wernicke encephalopathy is a life-threatening illness caused by thiamine deficiency, which primarily affects the peripheral and central nervous systems. Thiamine deficiency is characteristically associated with severe alcohol use disorder.
History of Smash Mouth
Harwell, 57, co-founded the group in 1994 and remained the band’s frontman until his retirement in 2021. Smash Mouth was formed in the San Francisco Bay area. They are best known for their first hit, “Walkin’ on the Sun,” in 1997. In 1999, the group reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart with “All Star.” The band is also well known for covering the Monkee’s classic “I’m a Believer.”
Following Steve Harwell’s retirement announcement, the singer spoke out to his fans, saying,
“Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a Rockstar performing in front of sold-out arenas and have been so fortunate to live out that dream,” the singer said. “To my bandmates, it’s been an honor performing with you all these years, and I can’t think of anyone else I would have rather gone on this wild journey with.”
According to Smash Mouth’s website, Zach Goode stepped in to become the band’s frontman last year. So far, the band has yet to comment on Steve Harwell’s condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve Harwell and his family during this difficult time.
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