After almost 30 years performing with Smash Mouth, Steve Harwell announced he was retiring from the band in October 2021. The announcement came following a controversial performance at a festival in Bethel, New York where Harwell, seemingly intoxicated, appeared to threaten the audience and give them a Nazi salute, according to the Los Angeles Times. At the time, TMZ reported that Harwell had been battling several health issues — including cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and Wernicke’s encephalopathy — and was struggling from substance abuse.
“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,” he told Billboard. “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.”
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He was later replaced by Zach Goode — formerly the lead singer of Ghoulspoon, Divided By Zero, and The Secret Seven — as Smash Mouth’s new vocalist. “To our loyal and amazing fans, thank you, all of this was possible because of you,” said Harwell. “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,” he added.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
