Former Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell has died at age 56 at his home in Boise, Idaho, after liver failure and being placed in hospice care.
The singer had retired from the band in October 2021 due to his health troubles, including Wernicke encephalopathy and cardiomyopathy, a disease in which the heart has difficulties pumping blood to the rest of the body.
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“Harwell passed away this morning September 4, 2023 at his home in Boise Idaho. He was surrounded by family and friends and passed peacefully and comfortably,” the band's manager, Robert Hayes, said in a statement.
Hayes called him a "true American original" and "a larger than life character."
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.
— Smash Mouth (@smashmouth) September 4, 2023
Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the… pic.twitter.com/qZDliiIl30
"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," he continued.
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When Harwell had retired from the band, he remarked that he had dreamed as a child of being "a rock star performing in front of sold-out arenas and have been so fortunate to live out that dream."
Smash Mouth had several top Billboard chart pop punk hits, including the songs "Walkin' on the Sun" and "All Star."