Former Smash Mouth singer dies aged 56
Steve Harwell of the American rock band Smash Mouth sings onstage during the KROQ Weenie Roast on June 19, 1999 at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater in Irvine, California.
Lester Cohen/Getty ImagesFormer Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell has died after receiving hospice treatment. He was 56 years old.
Band manager Robert Hayes confirmed Harwell’s death in a statement shared with Us weekly on Monday, September 4, noting that the musician passed away “peacefully and peacefully” at his home in Idaho.
“Steve has been retired from Smash Mouth for two years and the band continues to tour with new vocalist Zach Goode,” the statement continued. “Nonetheless, Steve’s legacy will live on through music.”
Hayes continued to point to the band’s accomplishments with Harwell at the helm, including two No. 1 singles, five Top 40 singles, a Grammy nomination and more. “Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices of his generation. He loved the fans and loved performing,” the statement said. “Steve Harwell was a true American original. A larger-than-life figure that shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and fierce determination to reach pop star heights. And the fact that he achieved this near-impossible goal with very limited musical experience makes his achievements all the more remarkable.”
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Hayes’ tribute to Harwell ended with the words, “His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly ruthless ambition and his king-size cajones.” Steve lived a 100 percent life at full throttle. It burns brightly across the universe before it burns out.”
Portrait of American band Smash Mouth, left to right, Steve Harwell, Paul De Lisle, Greg Camp and Kevin Coleman at the Metro in Chicago, Illinois August 30, 1997.
Paul Natkin/Getty ImagesA statement shared by the official smash mouth The social media account added on Monday, “Rest in peace knowing that you aimed for the stars and magically achieved your goal. Sleep soundly.”
A day before news of Harwell’s death broke, Us Harwell’s rep confirmed the singer was suffering from liver failure and was receiving end-of-life treatment. He previously retired from performing in 2021 due to multiple long-term health issues.
Steve Harwell Through the Years: Smash Mouth and More
Steve Harwell made his mark on the music industry as the lead singer of Smash Mouth, the rock band best known for hits like “All Star” and “Walkin’ on the Sun.” Despite health struggles and personal tragedy, Harwell never lost his passion for the band, telling Vice in 2014 that he would never tire […]
At the time, Harwell was seen slurring his words and berating the audience during a show in Bethel, New York. As his retirement made headlines, Harwell thanked his bandmates and loyal fans in a heartfelt press release.
“I tried so hard to get a handle on my physical and mental issues and play in front of you one last time, but I just couldn’t make it,” he said in October 2021. “I’m so grateful to everyone and.” each of you who helped Smash Mouth sell over 10 million albums worldwide, got us to the top of the radio charts and those who made “All Star” one of the top memes on the internet today remains relevant.”
He continued, “I can’t wait to see what Smash Mouth will come up with next and look forward to being one of the band’s newest fans.”
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Harwell co-founded Smash Mouth in 1994 Greg camp, Kevin Coleman And Paul DeLisle, the only remaining original member of the band. After his retirement, Harwell was replaced by Zach Goode as lead singer.
Smash Mouth is perhaps best known for the ’90s hits “Walkin’ on the Sun” and “All Star.” Her cover of The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” appears on the 2001 film’s soundtrack Shrek.
Harwell leaves behind his fiancée, Annetteand his siblings carla, Michelle, Julie And To mark.