Steve Harwell, the former lead singer of Smash Mouth, allegedly entered hospice care on Sunday. According to TMZ, the ex-frontman has only a week or two to live after developing liver failure, citing a conversation with the rocker’s management.
Harwell, 56, had fought alcoholism for most of his life and had previously received liver treatment at a hospital, but the disease had progressed too far, according to his manager.
According to his manager, his family and friends gathered at his house, where he has been under hospice care for the past three days as he entered the ultimate stage of liver failure.
The singer announced his retirement from the band, which formed in the 1990s and gave the world popular hits such as “All-Star,” “Walkin’ on the Sun,” and a cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” — many of which were featured in the film “Shrek.”
After a distressing performance at an upstate New York music event in which he slurred his words, threatened the audience, and made vulgar gestures to supporters, Harwell decided to step down as lead singer.
According to a source close to the musician, he had one of his “episodes” while singing due to his long-term health concerns.
Harwell was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy ten years ago and has since experienced heart failure as well as acute Wernicke encephalopathy. The latter ailment has had a significant impact on his motor functions, including speech, as well as his memory.
Many of his ailments were caused by Harwell’s many addictions throughout the years, according to The Washington Post at the time.