Photo Credit: Olaf Gradin / CC by 2.0
According to a Tweet by rock band Smash Mouth, Steve Harwell has passed away. Just yesterday, Steve Harwell’s representative Robert Hayes had revealed that Steve was ‘resting at home being cared for by his fiancé and hospice care.’
Hayes had further stated, “Although Steve is here with us still, sadly, it will only be for a short time. We would hope that people would respect Steve and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Earlier today, rock band Smash Mouth posted an announcement that read,” 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 stars, and magically hit your target. Rest easy.”
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
Steve Harwell died at his home in Boise, Idaho. Born January 9th, 1967, Harwell was fifty-six years old.
Harwell had battled health problems since 2015, which was the reason behind his retirement in October 2021. After exhibiting concerning behavior during his performance with Smash Mouth in Bethel, New York, the singer retired to focus on his health.
At the time, Smash Mouth’s rep said that the singer left the group to ‘focus on his physical and mental health,’ adding, “Despite Steve’s best efforts to work through these ailments, he is heartbroken to share that it has become impossible for him to continue doing what he loves most, performing in front of the band’s millions of fans around the world.”
Smash Mouth’s rep had also mentioned that Harwell ‘has suffered profusely over the years with several health issues,’ including Cardiomyopathy and Wernickes encephalopathy, a neurological condition that ‘has greatly impacted his motor functions, including speech and impaired memory.’
At the time of announcing his retirement, Harwell gave a statement to reminisce about his time as the band’s frontman.
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 honor performing with you all these years, and I can’t think of anyone else I would have rather gone on this wild journey with.”
“To our loyal and amazing fans, thank you. All of this was possible because of you. I’ve tried so hard to power through my physical and mental health issues and to play in front of you one last time, but I just wasn’t able to. I am so grateful to each and every one of you who has helped Smash Mouth sell over 10 million albums worldwide, put us on top of radio charts, and those who have kept All Star relevant as one of the top memes on the internet today,” Harwell said in 2021.
“I cannot wait to see what Smash Mouth accomplishes next,” Harwell had said, “I’m looking forward to counting myself as one of the band’s newest fans.”
Harwell co-founded Smash Mouth in 1994, and the band gained fame with hits such as ‘All Star,’ ‘Walkin’ on the Sun,’ and a cover of The Monkees’ ‘I’m a Believer,’ which featured in the 2001 animated film “Shrek.”
Hayes also said, “Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices of his generation. Steve loved the fans and loved to perform.”
