Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell has announced his retirement from the band due to his ongoing battle with health issues.
Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell has decided to step back from the band amidst ongoing health concerns. In a statement to TMZ, the 54-year-old singer announced that he would be retiring from the band to pay attention to his health.
The decision comes after a recent performance for which Harwell joined his bandmates on stage, but appeared to be slurring and stumbling during the show. Harwell also allegedly threatened the audience and, at one point, did the Nazi salute.
According to reports, Harwell suffers from cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle becomes enlarged, resulting in difficulties pumping blood.
“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.” Harwell told TMZ.
“To our loyal and amazing fans, thank you, all of this was possible because of you,” Harwell added. “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.”
Saying goodbye, Harwell said that he “cannot wait to see what Smash Mouth accomplishes next and am looking forward to counting myself as one of the band’s newest fans.”
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In the lead-up to his announcement, Harwell also took some time off from the band last month to focus on his health. With his retirement, Harwell becomes the second-longest member to have stayed with Smash Mouth since their formation in 1994. The longest remaining original member is bassist Paul De Lisle.
For more on this topic, follow the Classic Rock Observer.
