Former Smash Mouth Lead Singer Steve Harwell Receives Hospice Care
Originally appeared on E! Online
Steve Harwell, the retired lead singer of rock band Smash Mouth, is currently receiving hospice care after a long battle with his health. The 56-year-old musician is “resting at home” and is being cared for by his fiancé and hospice care, according to his representative, Robert Hayes.
In a statement to E! News on September 3, Hayes shared, “Although Steve is here with us still, sadly it will only be for a short time. We would hope that people would respect Steve and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Entertainment Weekly also reported that a representative for the band mentioned that Harwell is back home with “only a week or so to live.” It is revealed that his loved ones have gathered by his side for the past three days.
Harwell co-founded Smash Mouth in 1994, and the group gained international fame with hits like “All Star,” “Walkin’ on the Sun,” and a cover of The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer,” featured in the 2001 animated film “Shrek.”
His representative described Harwell’s voice as “one of the most recognizable voices from his generation” and added, “Steve loved the fans and loved to perform.”
For the past decade, Harwell faced heart and neurological conditions. He retired from performing in October 2021 to focus on his health after displaying concerning behavior during a performance in Bethel, New York, with Smash Mouth.
At the time, the band’s representative revealed to the Los Angeles Times that the singer left the group to prioritize ongoing medical issues. They stated, “Despite Steve’s best efforts to work through these ailments, he is heartbroken to share that it has become impossible for him to continue doing what he loves most: performing in front of the band’s millions of fans around the world.”
The representative also disclosed that Harwell had struggled with various addictions, leading to medical and mental health issues, including cardiomyopathy and Wernickes encephalopathy, a neurological condition that significantly affected his motor functions, speech, and memory.
In a related music news, the cause of death for legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett has been revealed. According to an obituary posted on Buffett’s official website, he passed away at 76 after a four-year battle with Merkel Cell skin cancer. Buffett continued to perform during his treatment, with his last show being a surprise appearance in Rhode Island in early July.
With his retirement, Zach Goode has become the new frontman of Smash Mouth. In a statement, Harwell expressed his gratitude to his bandmates and loyal fans, saying, “To our loyal and amazing fans, thank you, all of this was possible because of you.” He also shared his excitement for Smash Mouth’s future and declared himself as one of the band’s newest fans.
Steve Harwell’s impact on the music industry and his iconic voice will always be remembered. As fans send their love and support to Harwell and his family during this difficult time, his dedication and contributions to Smash Mouth’s success will forever leave a lasting legacy.