Going from one former chart-topper to another, the Alameda County Fair will now host the Spin Doctors as part of its concert series, in the spot recently vacated by Smash Mouth.
So, get prepared to sing along with “Two Princes,” “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues” — by far, the three best-known Spin Doctors tunes — on Oct. 27 at the fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
Of course, fans were originally expecting to be crooning along to such Smash Mouth favorites as “Walkin’ on the Sun,” “All Star” and the San Jose band’s popular cover of “I’m a Believer” on that day.
But then vocalist Steve Harwell had a total meltdown during a concert on Oct. 9 — swearing at the audience, threatening a fan(s), slurring his words and making a gesture with his arm that the Los Angeles Times described as “what appeared to be a Nazi salute to the crowd.”
The fiasco, which happened at at the Big Sip festival near Syracuse, New York, was caught on video and footage was posted on TikTok.
“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.
Not long after the post went viral, Harwell announced he was retiring from the band to focus on his health.
“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.”
Even without Harwell, Smash Mouth reportedly plans to keep going and is looking for a new vocalist. And the band has the full support of its former lead singer in 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,” Harwell said in a statement.
Maybe Harwell will get to witness Smash Mouth 2.0 if the band ends up playing at a future Alameda County Fair. Until then, however, we hear tickets are available for that Spin Doctors show.
The fair runs Oct. 22-31; hours are 3-10 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; tickets will be sold by the day with limited capacity: $15-$18 admission, $30-$40 midway ride packages; concerts $15-$60; parking $15 on weekends, free on weekdays; see website for safety requirements; alamedacountyfair.com.
Here’s the concert lineup, note that tickets must be purchased in advance.
Oct. 22: Kalimba — The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire
Oct. 23: Night Ranger
Oct. 24: The Garth Guy — the Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute Show
Oct. 25: The Boys of Summer — The Music of The Eagles
Oct. 26: Singer Lenny Williams (from Tower of Power)
Oct. 27: Spin Doctors
Oct. 28: Rose Royce (Blues/R&B band)
Oct. 29: War
Oct. 30: Exposé (Latin dance music)
Oct. 31: Journey Revisited
