Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell is reportedly dying after being placed in hospice care.
In a statement by the band’s manager Robert Hayes to People, Harwell, 56, is “resting at home being cared for by his fiancé and hospice care.”
“Even though Steve has not been with Smash Mouth for 2 years now, and the band continues to tour with new vocalist Zach Goode, his legacy will live on through the music,” Hayes continued.
Furthermore, Hayes credited Harwell for the band’s success which includes selling “over 10 Million albums worldwide,” a Grammy nomination, two #1 hit singles. three Hot 100 singles, five Top 40 singles, and four Billboard 200. Smash Mouth is also known for the 1999 hit song “All Star,” which was featured in the 2001 animated movie “Shrek.”
“Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices from his generation. Steve loved the fans and loved to perform,” he added.
— Steve Harwell (@Steveharwell) October 18, 2019
Hayes concluded, “Although Steve is here with us still, sadly it will only be for a short time. My only additional comment is that we would hope that people would respect Steve and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
On Sunday, TMZ first reported about Harwell’s condition.
In a statement to the outlet, Hayes shared the frontman is in the final stages of liver failure after battling alcohol abuse for years and “likely only has a week or so to live.”
In 2021, Hartwell, who was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and Wernicke’s Encephalopathy in 2013, announced he would be retiring from the band due to health issues, according to a statement he made to People.
“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,” Harwell 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.”
He also thanked the band’s “loyal and amazing fans” for making his dream a reality.
“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,” he concluded.
