Steve Harwell’s struggles with addiction have taken a toll on both his career and personal life, leading to public incidents of substance abuse and erratic behavior. Despite setbacks, his resilience and determination to overcome his demons have inspired fans and peers alike, earning him respect and admiration. Excessive, long-term alcohol use can contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy, a heart disease that can ultimately lead to heart failure.
Their breakthrough single, “All Star,” became an anthem for a generation, permeating movie soundtracks, television commercials, and sporting events. Harwell’s rise to pop stardom was marked by his determination and success in achieving remarkable accomplishments in the music industry despite having limited musical experience. His most famous relationship was with his ex-wife Michelle Laroque, but the relationship ended decades ago, soon after the death of their infant son. Steve Harwell was known for his pop and rock hit songs with Smash Mouth, namely “All-Star,” which became a Billboard top hit. Although Steve didn’t perform much as a lead vocalist in his final years, his recordings were still popular, especially among those nostalgic for the 90s.
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But many transplant centers will refuse the operation to people who are currently active substance abusers or alcoholics. Acute liver failure can be caused by a sudden trigger that overloads an already damaged liver. Music fans worldwide mourned the loss of Steve Harwell, the iconic frontman of Smash Mouth. His distinctive voice and memorable performances had left an indelible mark on the music industry. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and its potentially fatal consequences. Harwell’s passing underscores the need for greater awareness and support for individuals dealing with addiction.
Alcoholism also brought drastic behavioral changes, leading to some problematic incidents. Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom. The strong vocalist envisioned his musical journey in 1994, when he formed the band Smash Mouth along with guitarist Greg Camp and members, including drummer Kevin Coleman and bass guitarist Paul de Lisle.
- People with a history of alcohol use disorder are more likely to develop the condition.
- Despite setbacks, his resilience and determination to overcome his demons have inspired fans and peers alike, earning him respect and admiration.
- While Steve Harwell may no longer be with us, his music’s memory and impact will endure, serving as a source of comfort and inspiration for his family and countless fans worldwide.
- Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell has died, and his struggles with physical and mental health were well-known.
- The liver is where medications are metabolized too, which is why so many medications mention the liver in potential side effects or precautions.
How did Steve Harwell die? What to know about acute liver failure
His openness about his struggles helped break down stigmas and barriers, fostering greater understanding and empathy within the music community. Harwell’s willingness to confront his demons publicly served as a beacon of hope for those grappling with similar challenges, inspiring countless individuals to seek help and support. Even though it is rumored he spent time in rehab, the addiction treatment did not help Harwell, and he continued to abuse alcohol.
Steve Harwell and Celebrity Alcohol Addiction
The frontman showed signs of the disease’s physical effects in October 2021 during a Smash Mouth concert in Bethel, New York, as he slurred his speech while cursing and making threats. Harwell’s death occurred after his long battle with liver failure caused by his alcohol abuse for years. However, behind the scenes, Harwell’s battle with alcohol addiction intensified. On-stage incidents and erratic behavior began to raise concerns among fans and colleagues alike. After that fateful incident, he resigned as lead singer of the band, and not much has been reported since.
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Several conditions are also risk factors for acute liver failure, Johns Hopkins adds, including hepatitis, Wilson’s disease, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes simplex virus. If they do receive a transplant and continue to drink, “then their new liver will also fail eventually.” While it is not known when exactly his alcohol abuse started, in 2013, the singer was also diagnosed with the neurological condition of Wernicke Encephalopathy, which greatly impacted his memory and speech. Although his official cause of death has not been confirmed, Harwell’s manager noted on Sunday he was in the final stages of liver failure when he was moved to hospice care. After a short period of abstinence following treatment, Amy died from accidental alcohol poisoning following a binge-drinking episode.
For instance, although chronic alcohol consumption doesn’t directly cause acute liver failure, it “decreases the threshold to develop drug-induced liver injury,” Lucero says. In 2013, the California-born singer was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a combination of diseases that affects the heart. He had also been suffering from Wernicke encephalopathy, which causes several painful symptoms such as difficulty walking, hypothermia, and confusion. He was previously hospitalized because of liver failure stemming from years of alcoholism and substance abuse and was receiving treatment in the hospital for the same.
Steve Harwell quit his band ‘Smash Mouth’ in 2021 following a ‘chaotic’ concert performance on the Big Sip stage. During the show, Harwell slurred his words, gave a Nazi salute on stage, and appeared to threaten the crowd. The maestro, who propagated the idea of alternate rock music, retired from the band and performing live in 2021. Alongside ‘I’m a Believer’, which reached the US Top 30, Smash Mouth was known for its successful covers of other hit songs, including ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends? ‘His legacy will live on through the music’ said Hayes, who noted that the band is set to continue touring under new vocalist Zach Goode.
As Smash Mouth’s popularity soared, so too did Harwell’s reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism. Robert Hayes, the band’s manager, confirmed Harwell’s condition, detailing his hospice care and the circumstances of his passing. Steve Harwell’s cause of death was ultimately liver failure due to the large amounts of alcohol the star drank while he was alive, which led to alcoholic liver disease. Although his death was a shock to many, it’s reported that his friends and family said it was a long time coming. Harwell was receiving hospice care in his home prior to his death for alcohol-related cirrhosis.
We provide reliable, fact-based content about behavioral health conditions, treatment options, and what to expect during the recovery process. Our materials are thoroughly researched and reviewed by licensed medical professionals to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. While our content is a valuable resource, it’s important to remember that it is not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance and treatment. Despite the challenges he faced, Harwell’s journey through addiction sparked a profound dialogue surrounding mental health and substance abuse in the entertainment industry.
“It’s a cascade of events that pretty rapidly can lead to multi-organ dysfunction, and ultimately, that’s what people pass away from.” Further adding, “As of today, Steve will be retiring from Smash Mouth to focus on his physical and mental health.” TMZ reported on Sunday, September 3, that Steve Harwell, who had long been suffering from liver failure, was under hospice care in his home in Boise, Idaho surrounded by family members. Another casualty of celebrity alcohol addiction was Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham. Both were female singer-songwriters famous for deeply soulful ballads and bluesy tunes that tug at the heartstrings and seem like did steve harwell drink a lot the product of much older, world-weary spirits. The love of millions of adoring fans and friends was not enough to keep Janis Joplin alive though.
Smash Mouth Frontman Steve Harwell’s Health Issues Before Death Explored
Chronic liver failure, also called decompensated liver disease, can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea and loss of appetite, the Cleveland Clinic says. Steve Harwell, the lead singer of 90s rockers Smash Mouth, has died at the age of 56 – just a day after it was announced that he had entered hospice care as a result of years of alcohol abuse. Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell has died, and his struggles with physical and mental health were well-known. Harwell died after facing significant mental health issues and other complications. In his final days in upstate New York, his legacy from Smash Mouth concert performances was remembered fondly, with many saying “burning brightly, Steve lived”. Steve Harwell’s official cause of death was attributed to acute liver failure, a tragic end linked to his long battle with alcohol addiction.
Smash Mouth’s Steve Harwell’s dynamic stage presence and charismatic vocals played a pivotal role in shaping Smash Mouth’s identity. His ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level transcended the boundaries of traditional rock stardom, cementing his status as an iconic figure in music history. From his remake of “I’m a Believer” by Neil Diamond (which was popularized by the Monkees) to the top hit “All-Star,” the singer will go down in music history as a ’90s icon.
He’d been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy several years ago, according to previous interviews with People. The condition occurs when the heart muscles can’t effectively pump blood to the rest of the body, the Mayo Clinic explains, and it can later lead to heart failure, blood clots and cardiac arrest. Doctors are typically able to decide whether or not a patient is a transplant candidate — and, if so, get them listed for a transplant — within a day, Lucero says.