Steve Harwell, the former lead singer of the iconic band Smash Mouth known for his distinctive raspy voice on hits like “Walkin’ on the Sun,” “All Star,” “Then the Morning Comes,” and “I’m a Believer,” has tragically passed away at the age of 56. His death follows a prolonged battle with various health challenges that ultimately led to his retirement from music in 2021.
On Sunday, Smash Mouth manager Robert Hayes had announced that Harwell had entered hospice care due to the final stages of chronic liver failure, receiving care from his fiancée, and was given only a short time to live.
In a statement, Hayes conveyed that Harwell peacefully passed away on Monday morning at his residence in Boise, Idaho, surrounded by family and close friends. He also emphasized that while Steve had retired from Smash Mouth two years prior, the band continued to tour with new vocalist Zach Goode. Hayes highlighted that Steve Harwell’s enduring legacy would live on through the music. During Steve’s tenure, Smash Mouth achieved remarkable success, selling over 10 million albums worldwide and securing two No. 1 hit singles, in addition to numerous other chart-topping achievements.
Hayes shared, “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 character who rose to stardom with a fearless ambition and undeniable charisma. His accomplishments, achieved with limited musical experience, are truly remarkable. Steve lived a life filled with passion and intensity, leaving an indelible mark on the music world.”
Born on January 9, 1967, in Santa Clara, California, Steven Scott Harwell co-founded Smash Mouth in 1994 in San Jose, alongside drummer Kevin Coleman, guitarist Greg Camp, and bassist Paul De Lisle. Their debut album, “Fush Yu Mang,” released in 1997, gained traction with the infectious grooves of “Walkin’ on the Sun” and a spirited rendition of War’s “Why Can’t We Be Friends.”
The band’s sophomore effort, “Astro Lounge,” released in 1999, achieved even greater success, earning triple-platinum status and featuring the mega-hit “All Star.” This catchy anthem reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. In the following years, “All Star” achieved newfound popularity as an internet meme, becoming one of the most-streamed rock songs in the U.S. between 2017 and 2021.
Throughout their career, Smash Mouth sold over 10 million albums and charted 10 Billboard hits. They were renowned for their spirited covers, including “I’m a Believer,” featured in the movie “Shrek,” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” from “Wild Things.” The band also contributed songs to various films, such as “The Cat in the Hat” and “The Jungle Book 2.”
Steve Harwell faced significant health challenges, including cardiomyopathy, Wernicke encephalopathy, heart failure, and struggles with alcohol abuse. His health issues led to his retirement in 2021 after a troubling performance at the Big Sip beer and wine festival. He struggled with motor function impairments, speech difficulties, and memory problems, making it impossible for him to continue performing.
In the wake of his retirement, Smash Mouth sought a new frontman and eventually welcomed Zach Goode in January 2022. Harwell expressed his gratitude to fans for their unwavering support throughout his career and eagerly anticipated witnessing Smash Mouth’s future successes.
Tragically, this isn’t the first health-related tragedy for the Harwell family. In 2001, Steve Harwell’s 8-month-old son, Presley Scott Harwell, passed away from acute lymphatic leukemia. In memory of his son, Harwell established the Presley Scott Research Foundation for Leukemia.
Steve Harwell’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of music, but his enduring contributions and memorable performances will forever be cherished by fans and music enthusiasts worldwide.
