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Smash Mouth Singer Steve Harwell Retires Due To ‘Medical Issues’ After ‘Chaotic’ Gig

Smash Mouth Singer Steve Harwell Retires Due To ‘Medical Issues’ After ‘Chaotic’ Gig

The singer said it had been an 'honour' to play alongside his bandmates over the years

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell has quit the band due to 'long term medical issues' following a 'chaotic' gig last weekend. You can see footage from the performance here:

The 54-year-old announced he was retiring from the band, which he co-founded all the way back in 1994.

The announcement comes after a video of a Smash Mouth gig in New York was shared online in which Harwell could be seen drinking from a can of beer, swearing at the crowd and appearing to make a Nazi-salute.

A representative for the band told the New York Post: "Steve has been dealing with long-term medical issues over the last eight years and during his last performance at the Big Sip stage, he suffered numerous symptoms directly linked with his current medical situation.

TikTok/@doesthisfeelgood

"As of today, Steve will be retiring from Smash Mouth to focus on his physical and mental health.

"Despite Steve's best efforts to work through these ailments, he is heartbroken to share that it has become impossible for him to continue doing what he loves most, performing in front of the band's millions of fans around the world."

Harwell was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy eight years ago and has suffered heart failure and acute Wernicke encephalopathy - a condition which impacts motor functions and speech.

In a separate statement, Harwell praised his bandmates saying it had been 'an honour' to perform with them.

He said: "Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a rock star, 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.

Alamy

"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.

"I am so grateful to each and every one of you who has helped Smash Mouth sell over 10 million albums worldwide, put us on top of radio charts and those who have kept All Star relevant as one of the top memes on the internet today.

"I cannot wait to see what Smash Mouth accomplishes next and am looking forward to counting myself as one of the band's newest fans."

Featured Image Credit: TikTok/doesthisfeelgood

Topics: Music, US News