Steve Harwell, the beloved frontman of Grammy-nominated pop rock band Smash Mouth, has tragically passed away at the age of 56.
The band’s manager, Robert Hayes, announced that Harwell passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at his home in Boise, Idaho. The cause of death was acute liver failure, according to Hayes.
Smash Mouth gained fame with popular hits like “All Star” and “Then the Morning Comes.”
Hayes described Harwell as a true American original, a larger-than-life figure who soared to stardom with unwavering focus and passion. He compared Harwell’s journey to that of a Roman candle shooting into the sky.
Steve Harwell, born in California in 1967, began his music career as part of the rap group F.O.S. before forming Smash Mouth in 1994. The band achieved great success with their albums “Fush Yu Mang” and “Astro Lounge,” the latter featuring their biggest hits like the Grammy-nominated single “All Star.”
Humor played a significant role in Smash Mouth’s popularity, with Harwell’s playful alt-rock voice and persona captivating audiences. He even made a cameo in the comedy film “Rat Race” and had a close friendship with Food Network chef and host Guy Fieri.
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“His irrepressible charm and charisma, fearlessly reckless ambition, and king-size cajones were his only tools,” said Hayes, reflecting on Harwell’s legacy. “Steve lived a life of pure intensity, burning brightly across the universe before fading away.”
Hayes concluded by saying that Harwell will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
In 2021, Harwell left Smash Mouth, and the band carried on with Zach Goode as the new lead singer. At the time of his departure, the band revealed that Harwell had been battling cardiomyopathy and had faced various health setbacks.
Hayes had previously announced that Harwell was under hospice care.
Harwell will be cremated in Boise and laid to rest alongside his mother in San Jose, California, according to Hayes.
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