Steve Harwell, the iconic frontman of the band Smash Mouth, departed from the group nearly two years before his tragic death. Harwell, who founded the band in 1994 alongside Kevin Coleman, Paul De Lisle, and Greg Camp, enjoyed a successful run for almost 27 years before making the difficult decision to leave in 2021.

The year 2021 was particularly tumultuous for Harwell. After a performance at the Big Sip beer festival in Bethel, New York, he faced significant backlash due to his on-stage behavior. A video that went viral on TikTok depicted Harwell consuming alcohol during the performance, making obscene gestures, and hurling threats and curses at the audience. His slurred speech during the performance further raised concerns about his health.

Following the controversial event, Harwell confirmed his departure from Smash Mouth. While many speculated that the chaotic performance was the primary reason for his exit, Harwell cited ongoing health issues as the main factor. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed gratitude to his bandmates, saying, "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."

However, the challenges Harwell faced were not limited to the controversial performance. Over the years, he grappled with health problems, many of which were exacerbated by his struggles with alcoholism. In 2016, Harwell was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart's ability to pump blood. A year later, he was hospitalized just before a scheduled Smash Mouth concert. Additionally, he was diagnosed with Wernicke encephalopathy, a neurological disorder resulting from thiamine deficiency. Both conditions were reportedly triggered by his alcohol consumption. As his health deteriorated, Harwell's liver was severely affected, leading him to the final stages of organ failure.

In the days leading up to his passing, Harwell's representative revealed that the singer had been admitted to hospice care and had only a short time left. Following his death, Smash Mouth paid a touching tribute to him on Instagram, stating, "Burning brightly across the universe before burning out. Good night Heevo Veev. Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the stars, and magically hit your target."

Steve Harwell's journey with Smash Mouth, marked by soaring highs and challenging lows, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of life in the limelight. As fans and the music industry mourn his loss, his legacy as a musician and performer will undoubtedly live on.