Steve Harwell, Lead Singer of Smash Mouth, Passes Away at 56

Steve Harwell, the iconic lead singer of the 90s rock band Smash Mouth, has sadly passed away at the age of 56. Just one day after it was revealed that he had entered hospice care due to years of battling alcohol abuse, Harwell peacefully left this world, surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Boise, Idaho. His manager, Robert Hayes, confirmed the news and described Harwell as a true American original with one of the most recognizable voices of his generation.

While the official cause of death has not been disclosed, it is known that Harwell had retired from performing in 2021 due to a series of health issues related to alcoholism. He had been diagnosed with Wernicke encephalopathy, affecting motor skills and brain functionality, as well as cardiomyopathy, which led to deteriorated speech and memory.

Smash Mouth, formed in the early 1990s, gained immense fame with their hit song “All Star,” which became a family classic when featured in the 2001 movie Shrek. With Harwell’s powerful vocals, the band sold over 100 million copies worldwide and had other notable hits like “Walking on the Sun.”

In a statement released before his passing, Harwell’s manager noted that he was in the final stages of liver failure. The band was on tour at the time, led by frontman Zach Goode. The world has lost a true music legend, and our thoughts are with Steve Harwell’s family and friends during this difficult time.