Steve Harwell, the iconic voice of Smash Mouth, has passed away at the age of 56
Steve Harwell, the lead singer of the rock band Smash Mouth, died on Monday, September 5, 2023, after a long battle with liver failure. He was 56 years old. Harwell’s manager, Robert Hayes, confirmed the news in a statement.
Harwell was born in San Jose, California, in 1969. He formed Smash Mouth with Greg Camp, Paul De Lisle, and Kevin Coleman in 1994. The band released their debut album, Fush Yu Mang, in 1997. The album was a commercial success and spawned the hit singles “Walkin’ on the Sun” and “All Star.” Smash Mouth continued to release albums and tour throughout the 2000s. However, their popularity declined in the 2010s.
In 2017, Harwell announced that he was taking a break from Smash Mouth to focus on his health. He was diagnosed with liver failure in 2023 and underwent a liver transplant. Harwell is survived by his wife, Laura, and their two children.
A private funeral will be held for Harwell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Liver Foundation. Harwell’s death is a sad loss for the music world. He was a talented singer and songwriter who had a long and successful career. He will be remembered for his catchy songs and his energetic live performances.
Let’s take a more detailed look at Steve Harwell’s life and career:
Early Life and Career
Steve Harwell was born in San Jose, California in 1969. He started playing guitar and singing in bands in high school. He met the other members of Smash Mouth in the early 1990s. The band released their debut album, Fush Yu Mang, in 1997. The album was a commercial success and spawned the hit singles “Walkin’ on the Sun” and “All Star.”
Success and Troubles: What Happened to Harwell?
Smash Mouth continued to release albums and tour throughout the 2000s. However, their popularity declined in the 2010s. In 2016, Harwell was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct. He was also ordered to attend rehab.
In 2021, Steve Harwell, the former frontman of ‘Smash Mouth,’ announced his retirement from the band, citing severe health issues. Cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and Wernicke’s encephalopathy were among the ailments he battled, alongside a history of substance abuse. His departure became widely known when he appeared on stage at the Big Sip Festival in New York in 2021, visibly struggling with slurred speech and making provocative gestures toward the audience.
Steve Harwell’s retirement marked the end of a lifelong dream to be a rock star and perform in front of sold-out arenas. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed his deep desire to power through his physical and mental health challenges for one final performance but ultimately found it impossible. His decision to step away from the music industry was a poignant moment in his career, reflecting the toll that health issues had taken on his ability to continue performing.
About Smash Mouth
Smash Mouth is one of the most popular rock bands of the 1990s and early 2000s. They are best known for their hit songs “Walkin’ on the Sun,” “All Star,” and “I’m a Believer. “The band formed in San Jose, California in 1994. The original lineup consisted of Steve Harwell (vocals), Greg Camp (guitar), Paul De Lisle (bass), and Kevin Coleman (drums).
Smash Mouth released their debut album, Fush Yu Mang, in 1997. The album was a commercial success and spawned the hit singles “Walkin’ on the Sun” and “All Star.” The band’s second album, Astro Lounge, was released in 1999. The album was also a commercial success and featured the hit single “I’m a Believer.”
Smash Mouth continued to release albums and tour throughout the 2000s. However, their popularity declined in the 2010s. In 2017, Steve Harwell announced that he was leaving the band due to health reasons. He was replaced by Zach Goode. With Zach Goode as the new vocalist, Smash Mouth has continued to tour and has sold more than 10 million CDs. The band is a popular choice for nostalgia acts and has performed at many festivals and events. They are also known for their energetic live performances.
Personal Life and Struggles
Steve Harwell had been open about his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction. He had said that he started drinking and using drugs at a young age and that his addiction spiraled out of control in the early 2000s. He had been to rehab several times and has been sober since 2017. Harwell’s liver failure was likely caused by his alcoholism.
Steve Harwell was a talented singer and songwriter who had a long and successful career. He was open about his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, and he was an inspiration to many who have faced similar challenges. He was fortunate to receive a liver transplant, but he passed away on September 5, 2023, after a long battle with liver failure.
His fans are mourning his loss, but they are also celebrating his life and his music. His songs will continue to live on, and he will be remembered as a talented musician and a courageous fighter.
