The former Smash Mouth singer was 56 years old.
Steve Harwell is dead. The former Smash Mouth lead singer died surrounded by his family on Monday (September 5) after reports of his poor health. His manager gave the cause of death as acute liver failure, presumably caused by Harwell’s continued alcohol abuse. He was 56 years old.
There has been speculation about Harwell’s condition for some time. During a concert in 2021, the singer appeared heavily intoxicated and threatened the audience several times. Shortly thereafter, Harwell announced the end of Smash Mouth and his retirement from the music world. However, despite early retirement, his health deteriorated rapidly. In addition to his drinking problem, Steve Harwell also struggled with heart disease and a brain disorder.
Harwell formed the band Smash Mouth in 1994. The group rose to prominence in the late 1990s/early 2000s with their hit song “All Star.” The poppy alternative rock song made it to the top of the charts in the US and also made the top 10 in other countries. “All Star” also landed on the soundtrack to Dreamworks’ animated film “Shrek” (2001) and achieved cult status. Smash Mouth’s cover of the Monkees song “I’m a Believer” was also on the soundtrack.