Smash Mouth vocalist Steve Harwell dies at 56

Steve Harwell (center) and other band members Photo: ETHAN MILLER

Steve Harwell, Grammy Award lead singer Smash Mouth, Award-nominated dies aged 56.

Longtime band manager Robert Hayes said he «passed away peacefully and comfortably» on Monday, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Boise, Idaho.

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The cause of death was acute liver failure, Mr. Hayes said in a statement.

“Steve Harwell was a true American original. An incredible character that took off into the sky like a Roman candle,” he said.

«Steve should be remembered for his unwavering determination and passionate determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.»

In a social media post, he wrote: «Rest in peace, old friend.» '.

California-born Harwell was a founding member of Smash Mouth when it was formed in 1994. The band went on to sell over 10 million albums worldwide.

Steve Harwell, former Smash Mouth vocalist

He left in late 2021 after struggling with alcoholism and was replaced as vocalist by Zach Good.

He told fans at the time, «I tried so hard to overcome my physical and mental health issues and play in front of you one last time, but I just couldn't.»

The band has recorded seven studio albums, with their hits «All Star» and «Then The Morning Comes» among them. The single «All Star», from the band's second album Astro Lounge, received a Grammy nomination and appeared in the movie Shrek.

Steve Harwell died of acute liver failure. Photo: Photo Archive

Harwell, who made a cameo appearance in the 2001 comedy The Rat Race, had a well-documented friendship with Food Network chef and host Guy Fieri.

It was reported over the weekend that Harwell was hit to a hospice and was cared for by his fiancée. It was said that he was not expected to live long.

Harwell is to be cremated in Boise and buried in San Jose, California, next to his mother.

His death occurred shortly before this. a few days after the death of American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, who died of a rare type of skin cancer at the age of 76.

Harwell's manager Hayes added: «Those who knew will miss him dearly. and loved him.”