Steve Harwell, Former Lead Singer Of Smash Mouth, Dies At 56

Steve Harwell, the lead singer for the band Smash Mouth, died on Monday at 56, his manager Robert Hayes has confirmed. 

Harwell died at his home in Boise, Idaho, where friends and family surrounded him. This comes after news yesterday that Harwell was in hospice care.

“Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger 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,” Hayes wrote on Instagram, describing Harwell’s life as a “full-throttle one.” 

Harwell was in the final stages of liver failure due to alcoholism. He also struggled with heart disease, among a myriad of other health complications.

Formed in San Jose, California, in 1994, Smash Mouth hit their peak of popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s with songs like “Walkin’ on the Sun” and “All Star.” “All Star,” was nominated for a Grammy and was immortalized in the 2001 Dreamworks Animated movie Shrek. The track has been certified triple platinum. Harwell also made a cameo in the 2002 film Rat Race.

Before forming the band, Harwell was a part of a rap group called F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech).

Harwell announced his retirement in October 2021 following a poor performance at The Big Sip in New York. Video footage went viral that showed Harwell slurring his speech, swearing at the audience, and performing a Nazi salute.

In a news release in response to his actions, Harwell stated, “I’ve tried so hard to power through my physical and mental health issues and to play in front of you one last time, but I just wasn’t able to.” After he stepped down, the band continued to tour with Zach Goode as their lead singer.

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Harwell’s remains will be cremated in Boise and buried in San Jose, alongside his mother.