Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell has died aged 56
Emily Brown
Featured Image Credit: YouTube / Smash Mouth / Brett Coomer/Special to The Chronicle
Steve Harwell, the singer who co-founded the rock band Smash Mouth, has died at the age of 56.
News of Harwell's death was confirmed by the band's manager, Robert Hayes, after he was transferred to hospice care after being diagnosed with liver disease.
Speaking to Rolling Stone today (4 September) Hayes said Harwell died at his home in Boise, Idaho, 'surrounded by family and friends'.
Harwell is said to have passed away 'peacefully and comfortably'.
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Prior to announcing the news of his death, Hayes warned news outlets that Harwell would only be around for a 'short time' longer.
He explained: “Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices from his generation. Steve loved the fans and loved to perform.
“Although Steve is here with us still, sadly it will only be for a short time. My only additional comment is that we would hope that people would respect Steve and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
The singer co-founded Smash Mouth in 1994, and five years later the band released the now-iconic track 'All Star', which featured in Shrek two years later.
Smash Mouth also brought the world tracks including 'Walkin' On the Sun,' 'Then the Morning Comes,' and 'Pacific Coast Party', as well as a cover of The Monkees' hit song 'I'm a Believer', which also featured in Shrek.
In 2021, Harwell retired from his music career after struggling with a number of health issues.
The singer was diagnosed with the heart ailment cardiomyopathy in 2013, before being diagnosed with a neurological condition called acute Wernicke encephalopathy, which affected his memory and speech.
Announcing his retirement, Harwell told fans: “I’ve tried so hard to power through my physical and mental health issues and to play in front of you one last time, but I just wasn’t able to.”
Fans have paid tribute to Harwell in the wake of his death, with one fan commenting: "RIP Steve Harwell, you were our all star."
Another added: "Smash Mouth’s Steve Harwell will be forever missed."
Prior to Harwell's passing, Hayes explained that Smash Mouth has continued to tour for the last couple of years with vocalist Zach Goode taking over from Harwell as singer.
"His legacy will live on through the music," Hayes said. "With Steve, Smash Mouth has sold over 10m albums worldwide-wide and topped the charts with two No 1 hit singles, five Top 40 singles, three Hot 100 singles, four Billboard 200 albums and a Grammy nomination.”