Original Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell dies ‘peacefully’ in Boise home
Steve Harwell, the former lead singer of the rock band Smash Mouth, died Monday morning at his home in Boise, Rolling Stone reported.
His death, at age 56, was confirmed by the band’s manager Robert Hayes, who said in a statement to Rolling Stone that Harwell “passed peacefully and comfortably” while surrounded by family and friends. The cause of death was acute liver failure.
“Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices from his generation,” Hayes said in the statement. “He loved the fans and loved to perform.”
Smash Mouth was formed in San Jose, California, in 1994. The band is best known for its 1999 hit single “All Star,” which was featured in several film soundtracks, including in the opening credits of the first “Shrek” movie with the now ubiquitous lyrics: “Hey now, you’re a rock star/Get the show on, get paid.”
Harwell retired from Smash Mouth in 2021. The band said in a statement at the time that Harwell had been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and suffered from “nonstop serious medical setbacks,” which affected his speech and memory, Billboard reported.
Smash Mouth, without Harwell, played at the Western Idaho Fair in Garden City on Aug. 22.
Hayes released a statement Sunday that said Harwell had been in hospice care, according to The Associated Press. His body will be cremated in Boise and the remains taken to San Jose to be buried.
This story was originally published September 4, 2023 at 12:32 PM.
