Steve Harwell, the former lead singer of the band Smash Mouth, is in hospice care, the group’s manager said Sunday night.
“Steve is resting at home [and] is cared for by his fiancé and is being cared for in hospice,” manager Robert Hayes said in a statement. “Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices of his generation. Steve loved the fans and loved performing. Unfortunately, while Steve is still with us, it will only be for a short time.”
Hayes said he hopes fans will respect the singer’s and his family’s privacy “at this difficult time.”
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Harwell, 56, retired from Smash Mouth – known for the cult song ‘All Star’ and a cover of The Monkees’ ‘I’m a Believer’ – two years ago after a disturbing performance in New York. At the time, the singer said he was struggling with health problems that had become too much for him.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of being a rock star performing to sold-out arenas, and I’ve been very fortunate to be able to make that dream come true,” Harwell said in 2021. “For my bandmates, it’s been an honor to performing with them.” You all these years and I can’t think of anyone I would rather have gone on this wild journey with.”
Smash Mouth has sold more than 10 million albums and continues to tour with vocalist Zach Goode.
“Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices of his generation,” said the band’s manager. “His legacy will live on through music.”
