Every time I turn around, it seems like I am reporting on another rock star's death.
This time, it is former lead singer of Smash Mouth, Steve Harwell.
Harwell was a founding member of the group and up until 2021, only one of the two original members of the band.
Turnover
Smash Mouth was founded in 1994 and continues to play today, but rarely with the same lineup.
The one consistent, however, was Harwell on vocals up until 2021, which is when he retired from the group, leaving bassist Paul De Lisle as the only founding member left in the group.
The Daily Wire had reported that Harwell entered hospice care on Sunday.
Then, on Monday, the New York Times reported that Harwell passed away.
If you are a fan of Smash Mouth, you have undoubtedly seen what appeared to be a decline in Harwell over the last few years.
Look at Harwell during this Letterman appearance…
Then again while doing a block party in 2019, just two years before he retired…
The medical problems started long before that last video, with Harwell having collapsed during a 2016 concert, then receiving treatment for heart-related issues in 2017.
During a 2021 concert, he was noticeably slurring his words and went on a rampage against fans.
After the show, he retired, stating, "Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a Rockstar performing in front of sold-out arenas and have been so fortunate to live out that dream.
"To my bandmates, it's been an honor performing with you all these years and I can't think of anyone else I would have rather gone on this wild journey with.
"To our loyal and amazing fans, thank you, all of this was possible because of you.
"I've tried so hard to power through my physical and mental health issues, and to play in front of you one last time, but I just wasn't able to."
It turns out, Harwell was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy a decade ago.
Entertainment Weekly reported, "After being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy a decade ago, which impairs the heart's ability to pump efficiently, Harwell has suffered medical setbacks including heart failure and acute Wernicke's encephalopathy, which impacts motor functions such as his speech and memory."
Rest in peace, sir, and thanks for the memories.
