BOISE, IDAHO: Steve Harwell, the founding member and lead singer of Smash Mouth, died on Monday, September 4. He was 56.
The band, in the 1990s, came out with hits like 'Walkin on the Sun,' and 'All Star.'
The death of the legendary singer at his home in Boise, Idaho, was confirmed by his manager Robert Hayes who said the cause of the singer's demise was liver faliure.
Harwell was apparently in a 'deathbed' in hospice days before his death, it was reported.
Who wrote the popular song 'All Star'?
The band achieved mainstream success with their song 'All Star' in 1999.
It was from their album 'Astro Lounge' and had a more rock sound.
The song was written by their guitarist Greg Camp. It reached No 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The band also recorded hits like 'I'm a Believer,' and 'Why Can't We Be Friends.'
How successful was Smash Mouth?
Steve Harwell had a net worth of $2.5 million at the time of his death, as per Celebrity Networth.
Smash Mouth achieved remarkable success since its formation and Paul De Lisle were the only original members left.
They have seen their group sell 10 million albums and top the charts with two singles.
They also have five other songs that made it to the Top 40. Their music specially 'All Star' has been featured in many movies, including 'Inspector Gadget' and 'Mystery Men' and even TV shows, especially the 'Shrek' series.
Was Steve Harwell ill since a long time?
Harwell’s health problems, including a heart condition and a neurological disorder, had plagued his career since the last decade.
He was diagnosed for a heart condition called cardiomyopathy in 2013, as per New York Times and Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a neurological condition that can affect speech and memory.
He was diagnosed for the heart condition called cardiomyopathy in 2013 (Brad Barket/Getty Images for 90sFEST)
Even after this, he acted erratically at times, such as when he performed at a massive motorcycle rally in South Dakota in August 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
He reportedly ignored the viral risk and praised the crowd for being human again, earning applause from the fans, but criticism from others.
Who is the new lead singer for Smash Mouth?
In 2022, Smash Mouth recruited a new lead singer, Zach Goode. A year before that, in 2021, Harwrell retired from performing.
“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,” he said in a statement at the time.
On Monday, Goode said, “I love singing these songs every night and carrying on the spirit of rock n roll in front of the best fans in the world. I will continue to try, in my own way, to honor what Steve and the band have created.”
He also shared an Instagram post after Harwell's death. "Today, my heart goes out to Steve's family and friends. Although we never met personally, I have an enormous amount of respect for what he accomplished and the legacy that he left behind. Steve was a legend...," he wrote.
