Steve Harwell, the founder and former lead singer of rock band Smash Mouth, died in his Boise, Idaho home on Monday, the band’s representative Robert Hayes confirmed. Harwell was 56 years old.
The artist co-founded Smash Mouth in 1994 in San Jose, California. He rose to fame over the years with hits such as “All Star” and “Walkin’ on the Sun,” along with his cover of The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”
Harwell retired from the band in 2021. In the days leading up to his passing, Hayes reported that Harwell had entered hospice care for end-stage liver failure.
“Steve Harwell was a true American original,” Hayes said in the statement. “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. And the fact that he achieved this near-impossible goal with very limited musical experience makes his accomplishments all the more remarkable.”
