EXCLUSIVE: Inside Steve Harwell’s final days: Friends reveal late Smash Mouth singer shared ‘smiles and tears’ with loved ones that helped ‘heal’ their relationship before he died at 56 after years of alcohol abuse issues

Steve Harwell’s family and friends want to remember the late singer as a “great entertainer” with a “heart of gold” as they mourn his death, with a source revealing that his final days were “more positive than anything.”

The former Smash Mouth frontman passed away on Monday at the age of 56 from liver failure, just a day after it was revealed that he had ended up in hospice as a result of years of alcohol abuse.

Harwell’s manager Robert Hayes said in a statement that he died “peacefully and comfortably” surrounded by “friends and family”. At the time of his death, he was being cared for by his fiancée Annette Jones.

“The last few days of Steve’s life were as good as they could be, just because everyone knew what was happening and knew the final outcome. Everyone was finally able to accept it with the best of emotions,” a source close to Harwell’s family told DailyMail.com.

The rocker’s family and friends want to remember him as a “great entertainer” with a “heart of gold,” a source told DailyMail.com. He is pictured with Sean Hurwitz in 2013

“Steve had a lot of problems for a long time that eventually caught up with him and led to his passing. As sad as it is and will be sad for a long time for those who loved him, at least he is “I have no more trouble.”

Harwell has caused several controversies in recent years, including a problematic performance that led to his retirement, but his loved ones want to focus on the positive.

Everyone wants to remember him because he was a funny guy with a heart of gold and a great entertainer. He had his vices and luckily he doesn’t have to worry and make others worry about his well-being,” the insider added.

“The last few days have been more positive than anything, which Steve appreciated. Tears and smiles have an interesting way of healing, and everyone who was close to him is now healing.”

Harwell’s pop-punk style earned him legions of fans over the years as Smash Mouth scored two No. 1 hit singles and a Grammy nomination, selling over 10 million albums worldwide before leaving the band two years ago.

“His legacy will live on in music,” said Hayes, noting that the band will continue to tour under new vocalist Zach Goode.

Steve is to be remembered for his relentless focus and passionate determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.

And the fact that he achieved this virtually impossible goal with very limited musical experience makes his achievements all the more remarkable.

Harwell’s pop-punk style earned him legions of fans over the years as Smash Mouth landed two No. 1 hit singles and a Grammy nomination

“Steve had a lot of problems for a long time that eventually caught up with him and led to his passing,” the insider said. Harwell is pictured with Greg Camp in 1997

His only assets were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearless reckless ambition and his king-size cajones. Steve lived a life that was 100 percent full throttle. Burning brightly through the universe before it burns out.”

Harwell’s official cause of death has not been confirmed, but his manager said he was in the final stages of liver failure when he was transferred to hospice.

“While Steve is still here with us, unfortunately it will only be for a short time,” Hayes said in a statement Sunday. “We hope people will respect the privacy of Steve and his family during this difficult time.”

However, his manager added in a statement to DailyMail.com that it was “deeply heartwarming to see the amount of love pouring in following the news of Steve’s passing.”

Formed in 1994, Smash Mouth rose to fame with the song “All Star” after being featured in the 2001 hit film Shrek. The animated film also featured the band’s cover rendition of The Monkee’s hit song “I’m a Believer.” .

That same year, Harwell suffered the tragic loss of his son Preston, who died of leukemia at just six months old.

He was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and Wernicke’s encephalopathy in 2013a neurological disorder that affects motor skills and brain functionality.

Harwell made headlines during several controversial moments in recent years. He announced his retirement from the band in 2021. The singer is pictured in 2018

Harwell’s final was “more positive than anything,” the insider said. At the time of his death, he was being cared for by his fiancée Annette Jones

Harwell’s final years on stage were met with controversy that eventually led to his leaving the band.

He was widely criticized after Smash Mouth performed at a crowded gig in South Dakota in August 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the performance, he reportedly yelled, “F*** that COVID s***.

The singer ended his career in 2021 after an infamous performance in Bethel, New York, in which he rambled through songs and verbally attacked fans.

In a statement to People magazine, he heartbreakingly announced his retirement as his reps admitted he was dealing with “long-term medical issues.”

“Ever since I was a kid I dreamed of being a Rockstar performing to sold-out arenas and I’ve been lucky enough to fulfill that dream,” he said.

“It has been an honor for my bandmates to perform with you all these years and I can’t think of anyone else I would rather have taken on this wild journey with.”