The lead singer of Smash Mouth, Steve Harwell, has passed away according to the band’s manager, Robert Hayes. He was 56.
The musician was best known for hits like “All Star” and “I’m a Believer.”
The news comes after TMZ reported Harwell had been receiving medical treatment for his liver. He was then moved to hospice at home, with friends and family of the singer having gathered over the last few days to be with him.
Harwell passed away at his home in Boise, ID surrounded by loved ones
Steve Harwell’s cause of death
According to Hayes, Harwell passed away from liver failure.
“Steve has been retired from Smash Mouth for two years now, and the band continues to tour with new vocalist Zach Goode,” Hayes said.
“That said, Steve’s legacy will live on through the music. With Steve, Smash Mouth has sold over 10 Million albums worldwide-wide and topped the charts with two #1 hit singles, five Top 40 singles, three Hot 100 singles, four Billboard 200 albums and a Grammy nomination not to mention the hundreds of film and television placements and of course those musical features in Shrek.
“Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices from his generation. He loved the fans and loved to perform. 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.”
Harwell’s career and health problems
Harwell cofounded the band Smash Mouth back in 1994.
Although he hasn’t been an official member of the band since 2021, he and bassists Paul Delisle were the only two original members who remained consistent throughou the majority of the group’s run.
He began his career in San Jose, California as a rapper with the group F.O.S (Freedom of Speech). However, after the group split, he began working with drummer Kevin Coleman, and later joined up with Greg Camp and Delisle.
The four then began performing at summer festivals alongside No Doubt and Beck.
However, Harwell has suffered through several health issues in recent years.
In 2013, he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a cardiac ailment characterized by the enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle, as well as a severe neurological condition known as Wernicke encephalopathy.
In August 2016, he collapsed onstage during a performance in Urbana, Illinois. A year later, Smash Mouth postponed several shows due to Harwell’s ongoing treatment for his heart-related health conditions.