Steve Harwell, the charismatic co-founder and original lead vocalist of Smash Mouth, the iconic late ’90s California-based band known for their ska-infused hits like “Walkin’ on the Sun” and the timeless anthem “All Star,” has passed away at the age of 56. Harwell died at his residence in Boise, Idaho, while under hospice care due to multiple health complications.
Robert Hayes, Harwell’s manager, confirmed the news in a statement to Variety, describing Steve Harwell as a “true American Original” and a larger-than-life figure who achieved pop stardom with limited musical experience. Harwell’s unwavering focus, fearless ambition, and charismatic charm propelled him to great heights in the music industry. Despite battling health issues and a history of alcohol abuse, Harwell’s determination remained unshaken.
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Harwell’s retirement from Smash Mouth was announced in October 2021 following an incident during a concert in Bethel, N.Y., where he appeared intoxicated and threatened audience members. In his retirement statement, he expressed gratitude to his bandmates for the incredible journey they had shared.
Born as Steven Scott Harwell on January 9, 1967, in Santa Clara, California, Harwell initially pursued a career as a rapper with the hip-hop group F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech). In 1993, F.O.S. released a single titled “Big Black Boots.” However, Harwell transitioned to alternative rock and, together with childhood friend and drummer Kevin Coleman, as well as members from the San Jose punk band Lackadaddy, Greg Camp (songwriter-guitarist), and Paul De Lisle (bassist), founded Smash Mouth.
The band gained recognition when San Jose radio station KOME-FM played their demo of “Nervous in the Alley.” Subsequently, Smash Mouth signed with Interscope Records, split their name into two words, and released their debut album, “Fush Yu Mang,” in 1997. The album achieved double-platinum status, propelled by hits like “Walkin’ on the Sun” and a lively cover of War’s “Why Can’t We Be Friends.”
Smash Mouth’s career skyrocketed with the release of “Astro Lounge” in 1999, featuring mega-hits such as “All Star” and “Then the Morning Comes.” The band’s appearance on the soundtrack of the animated film “Shrek” in 2001 further cemented their popularity. Despite their subsequent albums, including “Get the Picture?” in 2003 and the cover of “I Wanna Be Like You” for the “Jungle Book 2” soundtrack, Smash Mouth parted ways with Interscope.
Tragedy struck Harwell and his then-wife when their newborn son passed away from acute lymphocytic leukemia at just six months old. In memory of his son, Harwell established a medical research fund in his name.
In 2005, Smash Mouth signed with Universal Records, releasing a greatest hits compilation, a Christmas album, and working on the album “Old Habits.” Harwell also appeared on VH1’s reality show “The Surreal Life” in 2006. However, Universal delayed the release of “Old Habits” multiple times, leading to its eventual shelving. Some tracks from the album were remixed and released on “Summer Girl” in 2006, the band’s last original album featuring Greg Camp.
Despite the challenges, Smash Mouth continued to tour throughout the 2010s, recording new material and celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album “Fush Yu Mang” with an acoustic re-recording. Harwell’s health struggles increasingly affected his live performances, leading to incidents where he appeared intoxicated or collapsed onstage. Eventually, in October 2021, he retired from the band.
Throughout their career, Smash Mouth’s enduring legacy remains “All Star,” a song still featured regularly in sports programming and various media platforms. Steve Harwell, reflecting on the song, once said, “I’m not going to toot my own horn, but nobody else could have sung that song. It was Greg singing the demo, so it didn’t sound like it should… didn’t sound rock and roll. Once I got my hands on it, we turned it into Smash Mouth.”
Steve Harwell’s contributions to music and his vibrant presence in the industry will be remembered fondly by fans worldwide.