Famous singer Steve Harwell has passed away at 56. He was admitted to the hospital several days ago. After battling with many health issues caused by alcohol abuse, he was at his final stage.
Alcohol Abuse Has Taken Away Another Life!
While we were busy reporting Harwell’s illness, we were informed that he left us on 4th September. This blog was initially intended to report on his illness. But fate was different. His death was confirmed on this official Instagram handle shortly after the incident.
Harwell’s manager told reporters that Harwell was suffering from liver diseases from the early days of his life. And now he had reached its peak, the final stage. He was under treatment for liver failure.
Doctors’ did say that Harwell had only a few days to live. And now that has become the reality.
Smash Mouth & Steve Harwell
People now in 2023 might not be that familiar with this band called Smash Mouth. But the people from the 1990s and early 2000s are known for this. Smash had a few hit singles, including “All Star,” “Walkin on the Sun,” and a cover of “I’m a Believer.” Both “All Star” and “I’m a Believer” were featured on the soundtrack of the movie “Shrek.”
And Harwell was the lead singer of this band. He was also the founding member of Smash Mouth.
Harwell’s Health Issues
Steve’s illness was first noticed on the stage in 2021 while he was performing, yelling at the audience and slurring his words. At that time, doctors diagnosed and found several health issues in him, including heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and Wernicke’s encephalopathy, all complicated by substance abuse.
After this, he retired from the band. But the band has been performing with a new artist named Zach Goode.
Heartbreaking Confirmation
Shortly after Harwell’s death, his manager confirmed it on Harwell’s official Instagram handle, as we had said before.
“Steve Harwell was a true American Original,” the post said. “A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.” The post mentioned Harwell lived “100% full-throttle life.” The singer “passed peacefully and comfortably,” band manager Robert Hayes told.
Hayes said, “Steve’s legacy will live on through the music. With Steve, Smash Mouth has sold over 10 Million albums worldwide and topped the charts with two #1 hit singles, five Top 40 singles, three Hot 100 singles, four Billboard 200 albums and a Grammy nomination not to mention the hundreds of film and television placements and of course those musical features in Shrek.”
‘Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.
‘And the fact that he achieved this near-impossible goal with very limited musical experience makes his accomplishments all the more remarkable.
‘His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones. Steve lived a 100 percent full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out,’ Hayes in his final words for Harwell.
Retirement of Steve Harwell
Steve was highly criticized for his last performance back in 2021. He was not in the condition to sing at that moment. He really needed some rest before he got on to the stage. He misbehaved with his fans on that day.
In an interview with People magazine, he sadly announced his retirement from Smash Mouth. He added that he was suffering from ‘long-term medical issues.’
‘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,’ he said. ‘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.’
His manager, Hayes, told back then that Steve was under the supervision and diagnosed with many medical issues, including Wernicke encephalopathy, which impacts motor skills and brain functionality.
Harwell lost his son in 2001, suffering from leukemia, in the peak days of his band, which was heartbreaking.
Alcohol Abuse & Diseases
Alcohol consumption can lead you to death eventually. This liquor slowly damages your immune system, leading to many health difficulties daily. Starting from Liver diseases, Heart diseases, Cancer, Neurological problems, Digestive problems, Immune system problems, and even birth defects can occur with alcohol abuse.
How much alcohol is considered excessive and harmful varies from person to person. The NIAAA, National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism has definitions for it. Drinking more than 3-4 drinks on any day, whether it’s man or woman, can be considered excessive. Consult a doctor if you’re having alcoholic abuse. You may need to take care from rehab. Don’t wait!
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