Smash Mouth Frontman Steve Harwell Dies at 56, Leaving Legacy of Power-Pop Hits
Steve Harwell, the frontman of American power-pop band Smash Mouth, has passed away at the age of 56. He died at his home in Boise, Idaho, surrounded by his loved ones. Harwell was best known for his band’s popular songs All Star and Walkin’ On The Sun. The cause of his death was liver failure, according to his manager Robert Hayes.
The news of Harwell’s passing comes after reports surfaced that he had been receiving hospice care treatment at home. His manager had requested privacy for the family during this challenging time. Harwell had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a condition associated with heart failure, in 2015. He also suffered from acute Wernicke encephalopathy, which affected his balance, movement, and eyesight.
Robert Hayes, in a statement to Rolling Stone, paid tribute to Harwell’s exceptional talent and determination. Harwell co-founded Smash Mouth in 1994 and remained the band’s frontman until 2021. His last performance with the group was at the Big Sip Beer and Wine Festival in New York.
Harwell’s career took off when Smash Mouth signed a record deal with Interscope Records in 1997. Their debut album, Fush Yu Mang, released in the same year, included the hit single Walkin’ On The Sun and a cover of War’s Why Can’t We Be Friends. The album sold two million copies in the US alone. Smash Mouth’s second album, Astro Lounge, released in 1999, featured the massive hit single All Star and sold three million copies in the US, earning it triple platinum certification. The song later gained further recognition when it was featured in the animated film Shrek and became an internet meme.
Reflecting on the enduring popularity of All Star, Harwell once remarked that it was a song that wouldn’t go away, likening it to iconic tracks by Led Zeppelin and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He acknowledged the blessing it brought to the band’s career.
Following Harwell’s departure from Smash Mouth, the band recruited Zach Goode as their new frontman. Their seventh album, Magic, was released in 2012.
Steve Harwell’s death is a significant loss for the music industry, and he will be remembered for his contributions to power-pop music. His charismatic personality and unwavering dedication to his craft propelled him to achieve great success with limited musical experience. His legacy will continue to shine brightly in the universe of music.
