The music world is mourning the loss of Steve Harwell, the energetic and captivating lead singer of one of San Jose's most popular rock bands, Smash Mouth. Harwell passed away today, at the age of 56, from liver failure at his home. With his unique euphonic style, Harwell and Smash Mouth gave us some of the unforgettable tunes of the late '90s and early 2000s, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
Smash Mouth paid tribute to their late co-founder in a heartfelt statement via their official twitter, praising Harwell for his "unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom." The band will undoubtedly remember him for his ability to captivate audiences with his rowdy and upbeat performances.
Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve will be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.
— Smash Mouth (@smashmouth) September 4, 2023
Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the… pic.twitter.com/qZDliiIl30
The early success of Smash Mouth, known for hits such as "Walkin' on the Sun," "I'm a Believer," and "All Star," propelled Harwell and the band to international stardom. "All Star," released on the band's 1999 second album, "Astro Lounge," became a quintessential anthem of a generation, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart.
The popularity of "All Star" grew exponentially when it was featured in the opening credits for the 2001 DreamWorks animated film, "Shrek" – and once more in the film's closing scene with the band's rendition of "I'm a Believer." The paramount success of this beloved animation introduced the music of Smash Mouth to a younger audience and provided the band with a wider and more diverse fan base.
Formed in 1994 by Harwell, drummer Kevin Coleman, guitarist Greg Camp, and bassist Paul De Lisle, Smash Mouth started off as a local band in San Jose, according to Mercury News. Eventually, as their music gained attention, they got their big break when the legendary San Jose radio station KOME played a demo of their song "Nervous in the Alley." This exposure secured them a deal with Interscope Records and set them on the path to stardom.
Throughout Smash Mouth's career, the band experienced its fair share of highs and lows. The group soared to triple-platinum success with their album "Astro Lounge" but eventually faced a decline in public interest as musical tastes changed, and their distinctive '90s alt-rock sound fell out of favor. The band continued to release independent albums, with their last release being 2012's "Magic."
During this tumultuous period, Harwell's onstage presence became increasingly unstable, culminating in an infamous performance at The Big Sip festival near Syracuse, New York, in October 2021 as detailed by Mercury News. This performance saw Harwell struggling with slurred speech and exhibiting erratic behavior, leading to his eventual retirement from Smash Mouth to focus on his physical and mental health.
Harwell suffered from long-term medical issues, including cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure, and Wernicke's encephalopathy, a neurological condition marked by imbalance, confusion and speech impairment. In addition, Harwell contended with alcohol abuse and endured personal tragedies, such as the loss of his son, Presley, who tragically died from acute lymphocytic leukemia at the young age of six months. Harwell later established a medical research fund in his son's name to honor his memory.
Despite his challenges, Steve Harwell's lasting impact on the music world cannot be denied. As the voice behind some of the most memorable tunes of a generation, he left an indelible mark on pop culture. Fans will undoubtedly continue to pay tribute to the presiding figure of Smash Mouth and celebrate his life and influence on the music scene.
