Steve Harwell, the former lead singer of the iconic band Smash Mouth, entered hospice care in the final stage of liver failure and shortly died after on Sept. 4th, 2023. TMZ initially reported the distressing news, describing Harwell’s condition as dire due to a lifelong struggle with alcohol abuse. The “All Star” singer died from acute liver failure and had many other health issues according to his band’s manager.
According to Today,
Harwell dealt with multiple health conditions in the years prior to his death, including addiction, according to Hayes.
He’d been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy several years ago, according to previous interviews with People. The condition occurs when the heart muscles can’t effectively pump blood to the rest of the body, the Mayo Clinic explains, and it can later lead to heart failure, blood clots and cardiac arrest.
Harwell later developed Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a sudden brain and memory disorder that’s caused by a lack of vitamin B1, which causes brain damage, the Cleveland Clinic explains. People with a history of alcohol use disorder are more likely to develop the condition.
The representative also issued a heartfelt plea for privacy, saying, “We would hope that people would respect Steve and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.” This call for privacy reflects the sensitivity of the situation and the need for the family to cope with this devastating news in peace.
Harwell retired from the music industry in 2021 following a problematic performance in upstate New York. A spokesperson cited his deteriorating mental and physical health as the primary reasons for his retirement. The representative conveyed, “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.”
Smash Mouth, formed in the San Francisco Bay area in 1994, enjoyed immense popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their chart-topping hits, including “All Star,” “Walkin’ on the Sun,” and their cover of the Monkees’ classic “I’m a Believer,” became anthems of a generation and left an indelible mark on the music industry.
The news of Steve Harwell’s deteriorating health has left fans and the music community in shock and sadness. As his battle with liver failure reaches its final stages, the thoughts and prayers of fans around the world are with him and his loved ones during this incredibly challenging time.
