South Bay native Steve Harwell is reportedly retiring from Smash Mouth in order to focus on mental health issues.
The news comes hot on the heels of video footage having surfaced that shows the 54-year-old singer engaging in incredibly bizarre and downright despicable behavior at a recent show by Smash Mouth — one of the most popular bands to ever come out of San Jose.
One concertgoer recorded part of the performance, which took place on Oct. 9 at the Big Sip festival near Syracuse, New York, and posted the footage on TikTok. It’s since been viewed over 1½ million times, causing Harwell and the band to trend on social media for all the wrong reasons.
“When I say that this is the most chaotic show I have ever seen in my life … I have no words,” says the concert attendee at the start of the video.
In the video, Harwell is shown slurring his words and swearing at the crowd. He also issues a harsh threat to someone, saying “I’ll (expletive) kill your whole family, I swear to God.”
He also makes a gesture with with his arm, which the Los Angeles Times described as “what appeared to be a Nazi salute to the crowd.”
Watch the TikTok video here.
Now, it appears that performance will be the last one Harwell will ever do with the band known for such big hits as “Walkin’ on the Sun,” “All Star” and a cover of “I’m a Believer.”
“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,” a rep for Harwell told the New York Post. “As of today, Steve will be retiring from Smash Mouth to focus on his physical and mental health.”
The New York Post identified the medical condition as cardiomyopathy, which weakens the heart and can led to heart failure.
Harwell also made a statement, showing a goodly amount of gratitude as he said goodbye to life in the band.
“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,” Harwell said in a statement, according to the New York Post. “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.
“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.”
Although Harwell is quitting Smash Mouth, the band reportedly plans to keep going and is looking for a new vocalist. And Harwell wishes them good luck with that endeavor.
“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,” he said in his statement.