Tributes and well-wishes have flooded in for Steve Harwell, the lead singer of the famous band Smash Mouth, who is reportedly in the final stages of his life due to liver failure.
The 56-year-old musician has entered hospice care and is being surrounded by his family as he nears the end of his journey, as confirmed by his manager to TMZ on Sunday.
Support from Fellow Musicians
Fellow singer Bret Michaels expressed his support and heartfelt tribute to Harwell on social media.
Michaels conveyed, ‘All my thoughts, prayers, and well wishes are with my friend Steve Harwell.
I know you’re a fighter, keep fighting, my brother.’
Battling Alcohol Abuse and Health Concerns
Harwell’s health has been a concern for some time, with reports of alcohol abuse taking a toll on his well-being.
In October 2021, fans became alarmed when he exhibited slurred speech, cursing, and threats during a concert.
A representative for Smash Mouth shared that Harwell is now resting at home and receiving care from his fiancée and hospice professionals.
The representative also urged respect for the family’s privacy during this challenging period.
Heartfelt Tributes on Social Media
The news of Harwell’s illness has elicited an outpouring of tributes from fans on social media.
Many expressed their sadness at hearing about his condition, with one fan stating, ‘I’m legitimately heartbroken by the news regarding Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth.
I knew his health wasn’t doing well for a while, but NOT like this.
Thank you, Steve, for your music.’ Another fan fondly remembered Harwell’s contributions to their childhood, saying, ‘Another piece of my childhood is dying.’
A Music Icon
Steve Harwell was one of the founding members of Smash Mouth when the band formed in 1994.
The band achieved global fame with hit singles like “Walkin’ On The Sun,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” and the iconic “All Star.”
Their inclusion in the 2001 film “Shrek” further solidified their place in pop culture, with “All Star” becoming a beloved soundtrack to the movie.
Additionally, their cover of the Monkees’ classic hit “I’m A Believer” resonated with audiences.
Challenges and Health Struggles
Despite the band’s success, Harwell faced health challenges over the years.
In 2013, he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a group of heart-related diseases.
This diagnosis was followed by another setback when he developed Wernicke encephalopathy, a severe neurological condition causing various symptoms, including confusion and difficulty walking.
Concerns at Recent Performances
Harwell’s health issues became noticeable during performances, as seen in a 2021 concert where he slurred his speech and displayed erratic behavior, leading to suspicions of intoxication among the audience.
In 2020, the band made headlines for performing at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota amid a period of high COVID-19 infection rates.
A Hope for Recovery
Despite these challenges, Harwell’s camp remained hopeful.
They indicated that he planned to take a break to address his ongoing health issues, particularly related to his heart condition.
Adjustments to his medication and a period of rest were part of his strategy for recovery.
The music world and fans worldwide are now united in sending their support and love to Steve Harwell during this difficult time.
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