Steve Harwell, the much loved co-founder and original lead singer of Smash Mouth, has sadly passed away from liver failure, aged 56.
His former band mates shared a statement on social media confirming the news:
“Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom. ”
On Instagram, they added, “And the fact that he achieved this near-impossible goal with very limited musical experience makes his accomplishments all the more remarkable. His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones.“
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.
Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the… pic.twitter.com/qZDliiIl30— Smash Mouth (@smashmouth) September 4, 2023
Hey there – sign up for our FREE Newsletter for more kind, no-gossip celebrity news!
The band ends their message, “Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the stars, and magically hit your target.”
Manager Robert Hayes confirmed to People that Steve passed away from liver failure at his home in Boise, Idaho on Monday, September 4 after being in hospice care.
According to Hayes, the band which is now lead by Zach Goode, sold 10 million albums worldwide under Steve, topped the charts with two No. 1 hit singles including fan-favourite “All Star”, earned a Grammy nomination, and had their songs featured in countless TV and film spots including Shrek.
Steve had revealed he’d be leaving Smash Mouth in 2021 due to health issues. In a statement shared with Billboard at the time, he said, “Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a rockstar performing in front of sold-out arenas and have been so fortunate to live out that dream. To my bandmates, it’s been an honour performing with you all these years and I can’t think of anyone else I would’ve gone on this wild journey with.”
(Feature Image Credit: Gary Miller/ Getty Images)
