Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell, 56, ‘on his death bed’

Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell, 56, has reportedly entered hospice care following years of alcohol abuse, his manager has said.

Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell reportedly only has days to live, according to his manager.

TMZ reports the US rock singer, 56, has been in hospice care in his home for the past few days with liver failure, where his family and friends have gathered to say their goodbyes.

Harwell’s manager, Robert Hayes, told the publication he had battled alcohol abuse problems for years.

The All Star singer has suffered medical problems since at least 2013 when he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle which can cause heart failure.

Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell has reportedly entered hospice care.

He retired from performing in October 2021, after hitting the stage at the The Big Sip beer and wine festival in New York where he attracted criticism for slurring his words, cursing at the audience, and at one stage, appearing to gesture a Nazi salute.

In a statement released by his representative at the time, a spokesman said Harwell was suffering from “long-term medical issues”, with “numerous symptoms [he showed during the concert] directly linked with his current medical situation”.

Following his retirement, Harwell issued a statement to fans, saying he was “fortunate” to have lived his dream of performing.

“Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a rock star performing in front of sold-out arenas and have been so fortunate to live out that dream,” he said.

“To my bandmates, it’s been an honour performing with you all these years, and I can’t think of anyone else I would have rather gone on this wild journey with.”

Harwell was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 2013. Picture: Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

Smash Mouth, which featured Harwell on lead vocals, Kevin Coleman on drums, Greg Camp on the guitar and Paul De Lisle on bass, formed in 1994, and enjoyed success in the early 2000s with hits including Walkin’ on the Sun, All Star, Then The Morning Comes, and their cover of The Monkees’ I’m A Believer.

All Star and I’m A Believer were further popularised on the soundtrack of 2001 DreamWorks film, Shrek.

Smash Mouth formed in 1994 in California.

Little is known about Harwell’s personal life, though the band’s manager told the US Sun his fiance Esther Campbell, whom he was thought to have broken up with in 2019 after she filed a restraining order against him, is currently by his side.

“Steve is resting at home and being cared for by his fiance and hospice care,” Hayes told the website.

“He is surrounded by family and friends.

“My only additional comment is that we would hope that people would respect Steve and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

Harwell suffered tragedy in 2001, when his newborn son Presley, whom he shared with ex Michelle Laroque, died from complications from acute lymphocytic leukaemia.