OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.
Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell is in the final stage of liver failure and has entered hospice care at his home.
It is expected that he only has days to live.
Harwell was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy a decade ago and has struggled with alcohol abuse.
All Star – Smash Mouth, 1999 🎶
Follow @smashmouth#music #musica #song#nowplaying #smashmouth#allstar #mysterymen#soundtrack #90s pic.twitter.com/QzJV9nghZF
— • good music playing • (@goodmusicplayin) August 31, 2023
Cardiomyopathy impairs the heart’s ability to pump efficiently.
In 2016, he collapsed mid-concert and was hospitalized. He underwent treatment for heart problems.
Harwell has suffered heart failure and acute Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which impacts motor functions such as his speech and memory.
A representative for the band said that he only has “a week or so to live.”
“We hope that people respect Steve and his family’s privacy during this difficult time,” added the representative.
He was known for’90s hits like “All Star” and “Walkin’ on the Sun.”
Man… Knowing that Steve Harrell from Smash Mouth has been struggling with liver failure. It’s just heartbreaking.💔
Not only, I loved his iconic songs from Shrek.
I’ve always have a soft spot for “Hang On” from The Cat In The Hat movie.Please send prayers to this man!🙏 https://t.co/FfABqs8wRy pic.twitter.com/TR9MTsvv6D
— ThePopCultureDude (Daniel) (@DaffyWoody) September 3, 2023
Harwell retired after.a controversial concert in 2021 in New York.
Videos showed him slurring his words and making vaguely threatening comments to the audience.
Harwell reportedly “forgot where he was [and] his own lyrics and had limited understanding of his environment due to one of his episodes.”
Harwell officially announced his retirement. “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 in a statement.
Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell only has days to live after battling medical complications for years, TMZ reports. pic.twitter.com/xex9VPb21W
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 3, 2023
“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.”
Harwell added, “To our loyal and amazing fans, thank you, all of this was possible because of you. I’ve tried so hard to power through my physical and mental health issues, and to play in front of you one last time, but I just wasn’t able to.”