(LOS ANGELES) – Steve Harwell, the Grammy-nominated pop rock band Smash Mouth, responsible for the megahit “All-Star,” has died. He was 56.
According to the band’s manager, Robert Hayes, Harwell “passed peacefully and comfortably” Monday morning at his home in Boise, Idaho, surrounded by family and friends. According to Hayes, the cause of death was acute liver failure.
Smash Mouth’s other hits include “Walkin’ on the Sun” and “Then The Morning Comes.”
“Steve Harwell was an original American.” Hayes described the persona as “a larger-than-life figure 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.”
“His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition,” Hayes added. “Brightly burning across the universe before dying.”
“He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him,” he said.
Harwell, born in California in 1967, was a rap group F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech) member before founding Smash Mouth in 1994. On Interscope Records, the band released two platinum albums, their ska-fueled 1997 debut and 1999’s “Astro Lounge.” The band’s second album had some of their biggest songs, such as the Grammy-nominated, platinum single “All-Star,” which appeared in the film “Shrek” alongside their cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”
Steve Harwell, the Grammy-nominated pop rock band Smash Mouth, responsible for the megahit “All-Star,” has died. He was 56.
Humor drove Smash Mouth’s popularity, with Harwell’s funny alt-rock voice and demeanor at the forefront. He appeared in the 2001 comedy picture “Rat Race” and was acquainted with Food Network chef and host Guy Fieri.
On Monday, the tributes began to flow in. “To my brutha Steve R.I.P.,” Fieri posted on Instagram. Today is terrible for me, and I shall miss my friend.”
Chris Kirkpatrick and Joey Fatone of NSYNC also paid tribute.
“I’m truly sorry for the difficult battle you’ve had to fight,” Kirkpatrick said on Instagram. “You were a wonderful soul who will be greatly missed.”
Fatone claimed to have known Harwell for many years.
“Opened for NSync and was even my wedding singer at my wedding,” Fatone wrote. “Hopefully, there are people out there who are dealing with addiction.” Obtain the assistance they require.”
“Today” anchor Carson Daly issued a two-part post on Instagram, recounting his first meeting with Harwell in 1995 when he was a D.J. on JOME in San Jose and Smash Mouth was a fledgling band.
Steve Harwell, the Grammy-nominated pop rock band Smash Mouth, responsible for the megahit “All-Star,” has died. He was 56.
“In better days, Steve was a force of a frontman & lived the life of 50 men,” Daly wrote. “He brought joy to millions with his music, and thankfully, his legacy will live on.”
“Rest in peace, Steve Harwell,” tweeted comedian Tom Green. “I remember hanging out with you back in the MTV days; you were always super cool and such an amazing talent – my condolences to your family and friends.”
In 2021, Harwell retired from performing and quit Smash Mouth. Zach Goode, the band’s singer, continues to tour. According to a statement made at the time, Harwell was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy eight years prior and had undergone “nonstop serious medical setbacks including heart failure as well as acute Wernicke Encephalopathy.”
Hayes said in a statement on Sunday that Harwell was under hospice care.
According to Hayes, Harwell will be cremated in Boise and buried alongside his mother in San Jose, California.
SOURCE – (AP)
