Condolences: Steve Harwell
• Steve Harwell, the former lead singer of Smash Mouth, has died. He was only 56.
Harwell’s manager Robert Hayes confirmed the news to Variety in a statement that reads, “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. 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% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”
News of Harwell’s dire medical condition surfaced over the weekend when it was announced that Harwell was in hospice care, and in the final stages of liver failure.
The Washington Post reports that Harwell announced his retirement in October 2021 to focus on his physical and mental health after a bizarre performance in Upstate New York, videos of which show him in an apparently disoriented state. Harwell had reportedly struggled with several types of addiction over the years that led to health complications — including cardiomyopathy, which results from a weakening of the heart muscle — that affected his speech and memory, according to Hayes. The band had continued to tour with new frontman Zach Goode.
Harwell formed Smash Mouth in 1994 with drummer Kevin Coleman, guitarist Greg Camp and bassist Paul De Lisle, and powered by Harwell’s distinctive vocals had hits with “Walkin’ on the Sun” (1997) and “All Star” (1999). “All Star” also appeared on the soundtrack of the 2001 animated film Shrek, along with the band’s cover of the Monkees’ hit “I’m a Believer.” With Harwell, Smash Mouth sold over 10 million albums worldwide. “Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices from his generation,” Hayes said.
