Steve Harwell, the former lead singer and co-founder of the 2000s alt-rock band, Smash Mouth, passed away last Tuesday, September 4 at 56 years old. The news was broken by the band manager, Robert Hayes. He said that Harwell died peacefully, “surrounded by family and friends,” at his home in Boise, Idaho.
Harwell and his band Smash Mouth are well known for their hit songs like “I’m a Believer,” and “Walkin’ on the Sun.” But the band is probably most popular for lending their song, “All-Star,” to the hit DreamWorks animated film, “Shrek.” The film has been a cult classic since it was first heard in the movie, and it has become a part of pop culture as a nostalgic song for most people.
For many years after their first hit songs, Smash Mouth has been active in the scene, even going on many tours around the country. The band remains active today, but Steve Harwell has announced his retirement and breaking away from the music scene back in 2021. He was succeeded by Zach Goode as the current vocalist of the band.
Harwell made the news just a few days ago when news of him being in hospice broke. According to the reports, he was in hospice care for liver failure. Now, Robert Hayes, a good friend for many years, and the band manager, announced the sad news of his passing.
Hayes said, “Steve has been retired from Smash Mouth for two years now, and the band continues to tour with new vocalist Zach Goode…That said, Steve’s legacy will live on through the music. With Steve, Smash Mouth has sold over 10 Million albums worldwide and topped the charts with two #1 hit singles, five Top 40 singles, three Hot 100 singles, four Billboard 200 albums, and a Grammy nomination not to mention the hundreds of film and television placements and of course those musical features in ‘Shrek’.”
“Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices of his generation. He loved the fans and loved to perform. Steve Harwell was a true American original. A larger-than-life than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom. And the fact that he achieved this near-impossible goal with very limited musical experience makes his accomplishments all the more remarkable. His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones. Steve lived a 100 percent full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”
Condolences for Harwell’s bereaved came pouring out from his fellow musicians. Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC both posted their messages on Instagram.
Fatone said, “Known this dude for a very long time.. opened for NSync and even was my wedding singer at my wedding…We had some good times! Sad all things must come to an end and some times too soon due to things that are past fixing because too much damage has been done…”