Following Steve Harwell's tragic passing, new information has emerged that has revealed that his Smash Mouth bandmates weren't able to see him in the hospice before he died.
The 56-year-old vocalist was originally in the hospital for liver complications but was later "resting at home and being cared for by his fiancée and hospice care," Robert Hayes, Harwell's manager, told The Independent before the singer's death.
"Steve's iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices from his generation," Hayes stated at the time, reflecting on Harwell's monumental impact on the rock music scene. "Steve loved the fans and loved to perform. Although Steve is here with us still, sadly it will only be for a short time."
It has since been reported that Harwell's bandmates from Smash Mouth were banned from seeing him before he died, leaving them unable to say goodbye to their friend, per TMZ.
The outlet was informed that the only people able to be by Harwell's side during his final hours were his family, his fiancée, her family, and his manager.
The band was still able to offer their well-wishes over the phone, with their manager reporting that everyone was on good terms at the time of Harwell's passing.
Smash Mouth first burst onto the music scene in 1994, but their hit 'All Star' catapulted them to international stardom in 1999.
This chart-topping single not only climbed to No. 1 in the U.S. but also found a new generation of fans when it was featured in the 2001 films Shrek and Rat Race.
According to streaming data, 'All Star' remained one of the most-streamed rock songs in the US from 2017 to 2021.
Harwell retired from the music industry in 2021 and later faced significant health challenges.
In 2013, he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease that weakens the heart muscle, and Wernicke encephalopathy, an acute neurological condition.
Harwell also suffered heart failure and has struggled with alcoholism throughout his life. The band had to postpone several shows in 2017 while Harwell received treatment.
The band has sold over 10 million albums worldwide and topped the charts with multiple hit singles and albums, even earning a Grammy nomination.
Hayes acknowledged that "even though Steve has not been with Smash Mouth for two years now, and the band continues to tour with new vocalist Zach Goode, his legacy will live on through the music."
Despite Harwell's death, the band will continue touring with Goode as the lead singer, and they are not planning on canceling any gigs unless the late singer's memorial clashes with a scheduled event.
Our thoughts continue to be with Harwell's family, friends, and fans during this time.
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