Steve Harwell was an American musician and singer, best known as the lead vocalist for the rock band Smash Mouth.
He was born on January 9, 1967, in Santa Clara, California, and died on September 4, 2023, at the age of 56, in Boise, Idaho.
Harwell’s career with Smash Mouth spanned from the band’s formation in 1994 until his retirement in 2021.
Some of their most popular songs include Walkin’ on the Sun and All Star.
Before forming Smash Mouth, Harwell began his music career as a rapper with the group F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech) and later worked with drummer Kevin Coleman.
Steve Harwell’s life
Harwell grew up in San Jose and attended Prospect High School in Saratoga, California.
He developed an interest in music at a young age and listened to various genres.
Harwell formed a rock band called Smash Mouth in 1994, which became popular in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
There is no information available about Harwell’s higher education or formal training in music.
However, he was the lead vocalist and frontman for Smash Mouth and played instruments such as vocals, piano and keyboards.
Harwell struggled with alcoholism for most of his life and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and Wernicke encephalopathy in 2013, which can affect functions such as speech and memory.
He was hospitalized in 2017 for his cardiomyopathy, leading to the cancellation of a show.
Steve Harwell cause of death
Harwell died on September 4, 2023, at the age of 56, due to acute liver failure.
According to his band’s manager, Robert Hayes, Harwell had been in hospice care before his death.
Hayes also mentioned that Harwell “had many health issues” and had retired from performing with the band two years prior to his death.
Harwell had struggled with alcoholism and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and Wernicke encephalopathy, which can affect functions such as speech and memory.
What is acute liver failure?
Acute liver failure (ALF), also known as fulminant hepatic failure, is a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by the sudden and rapid loss of liver function.
It typically occurs in individuals with no pre-existing liver disease and can develop within days or weeks.
ALF is often caused by viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B, and E, or by drug-induced liver injury, where certain medications or toxins damage the liver.
Other potential causes include autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson’s disease and metabolic disorders.
The condition is marked by a range of symptoms, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion and even coma.
ALF can lead to serious complications, such as bleeding disorders, kidney failure and brain swelling.
Prompt medical attention is crucial in cases of ALF. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, providing supportive care, and in some cases, considering a liver transplant.
Supportive care may involve managing complications, maintaining blood pressure and ensuring adequate nutrition.
The prognosis for acute liver failure varies depending on the cause, the individual’s overall health and the timeliness of treatment.
While the condition is serious, advances in medical care, including liver transplantation, have improved survival rates in recent years.
Steve Harwell career
Harwell began his musical career as a rapper in the group F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech).
He abandoned the Public Enemy-influenced project upon hearing Dr. Dre’s 1992 album The Chronic and realizing that the genre was changing.
In 1994, he formed the rock band Smash Mouth, which released its first album, Fush Yu Mang, in 1997.
The band went on to release several more albums, including Astro Lounge in 1999, which featured the hit songs All Star and Then the Morning Comes.
Throughout most of his life, Harwell struggled with alcoholism and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and Wernicke encephalopathy in 2013, which affected his speech and memory.
He retired from music in 2021 due to these health problems hindering his ability to perform.
What was Steve Harwell’s net worth?
At the time of his death, Harwell had an estimated net worth of $2.5 million.
