The former lead singer of Smash Mouth Steve Harwell has reportedly entered hospice care and was just days away from death on Sunday.
The ex-frontman has just a week or so to live after suffering liver failure, TMZ reported, citing a conversation with the rocker’s manager.
Harwell, 56, struggled with alcoholism for much of his life and had previously received treatment for his liver at a hospital, but the disease had progressed too far, his manager told the outlet.
His family and friends gathered at his home where he has been under hospice care over the past three days as he entered the final stage of liver failure, according to his manager.
The news of his ailing health comes nearly two years after the singer announced his retirement from the band which formed in the 1990s and gave the world popular hits including “All Star,” “Walkin’ on the Sun” and a cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” — many of which were featured in the movie “Shrek.”
Harwell decided to step down as lead singer after a troubling performance at an upstate New York music festival where he slurred his words, threatened the audience and made crude gestures to fans.
A source close to the singer said that he had one of his “episodes” related to his long-term health issues while performing.
Harwell was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy 10 years ago and has suffered from heart failure and acute Wernicke encephalopathy. The latter condition has greatly impacted his motor functions including speech and impaired his memory.
Many of his ailments stemmed from Harwell’s various addictions over the years, The Post reported at the time.