Steve Harwell, the lead singer of the rock band Smash Mouth, passed away on Monday at the age of 56. He had been suffering from liver failure and was receiving hospice care at his home in Boise, Idaho. His family, his fiancée, her family and his manager were the only ones who were allowed to visit him in his final days. He did not want any other visitors, including his bandmates, whom he had not seen for almost two years.
Harwell’s manager, Robert Hayes, told TMZ that Steve asked for privacy and did not want a large gathering at his home. He said that Steve’s bandmates were on good terms with him and they sent their prayers and well wishes over the phone. They were not able to say their final goodbyes to him in person.
Smash Mouth’s Legacy
Smash Mouth was formed in 1994 and became famous for their hit songs like “All Star”, “Walkin’ on the Sun” and “I’m a Believer”. They also contributed to the soundtracks of movies like “Shrek”, “Rat Race” and “Mystery Men”. The band sold over 10 million albums worldwide and won several awards, including an MTV Video Music Award and a Billboard Music Award.
Harwell was the frontman of the band for 27 years, until he retired in 2021 after a controversial performance at a beer and wine festival in New York. He was seen making a Nazi salute, cursing at the audience and holding up his middle fingers. A fan posted a video of the incident on TikTok, which went viral and sparked backlash. Harwell later apologized and said he was dealing with health issues.
The band announced Harwell’s retirement in a statement, saying that he had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy eight years earlier and had suffered from heart failure and Wernicke encephalopathy. They thanked him for his contribution to the band and wished him well. They also continued to tour with a new singer, Zach Goode.
Fans Mourn Harwell’s Death
Harwell’s death has saddened many fans of Smash Mouth, who expressed their condolences and tributes on social media. Some of them shared their memories of seeing the band live or listening to their songs. Others praised Harwell’s voice and charisma as a performer. Some also posted memes and jokes related to Smash Mouth’s lyrics, such as “Hey now, you’re an all star” and “Somebody once told me”.
One fan tweeted: “RIP Steve Harwell. You were the soundtrack of my childhood. Thank you for making me smile with your music.” Another fan wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear about Steve Harwell’s passing. He was such a talented singer and a great entertainer. I saw Smash Mouth live once and it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to.” A third fan commented: “Steve Harwell was a legend. He made us all feel like all stars. He will be missed.”
The band has not yet released an official statement on Harwell’s death. However, their manager said that “Steve’s legacy will live on through the music”.