Steve Harwell, the frontman of the iconic band that dominated the late 90s and early 2000s music scene, has passed away at the age of 56.
Steven Scott "Steve" Harwell, the talented musician and co-founder of the renowned rock group Smash Mouth, breathed his last during the early hours of Monday at his residence in Boise, Idaho. He was surrounded by his loved ones and close friends in his final moments.
Just days prior, it had been reported that Harwell had entered palliative care due to complications arising from liver failure. This somber news hinted at the precarious state of the singer's life.
The singer's manager confirmed to TMZ over the weekend that Steve had endured a long battle with alcohol addiction, remarking, "He had been grappling with alcohol abuse for his entire life, and it ultimately led to the advanced stages of liver failure."
Harwell, alongside Smash Mouth, burst onto the rock music scene in 1994. The pinnacle of their success was their 1999 album "Astro Lounge," featuring the smash hit "All-Star." This song gained widespread recognition when it was featured in the superhero film "Mystery Men," directed by Kinka Usher and starring Ben Stiller and an illustrious ensemble cast.
"All-Star" not only earned a Grammy nomination but also became a massive sensation when it was prominently featured in DreamWorks' acclaimed 2001 animated film "Shrek," instantly becoming synonymous with the lovable green ogre. The song even received an Oscar nomination for its role in the film.
Smash Mouth continued to deliver more chart-topping hits, including their cover of The Monkees' "I'm a Believer," which also found its place on the "Shrek" soundtrack. Other beloved and iconic tracks by the band include "Walkin' on the Sun," "Then the Morning Comes," and a range of captivating cover songs like "Why Can't We Be Friends?" and "Never Gonna Give You Up," among others.
In 2021, during the pandemic, Steve announced his retirement, shedding light on his ongoing battle with addiction. His struggles with substance abuse had been well-documented, contributing to deteriorating health conditions. He had previously been diagnosed with Wernicke's cardiomyopathy and encephalopathy, underscoring the toll his addiction had taken on his well-being.
