Smash Mouth’s Steve Harwell Has Died at Age 56

Steve Harwell, founding frontman of Smash Mouth, has died at the age of 56. This news comes hours after it was revealed he entered hospice at his home.

Rolling Stone reported the tragic news after speaking with Smash Mouth manager Robert Hayes, who said Harwell “passed peacefully and comfortably.”

Harwell’s health decline began several years ago when he shared publicly that he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease, as well as Wernicke encephalopathy, which affected his central nervous system. As reported elsewhere by other outlets, years of substance abuse, too, led to liver failure which ultimately resulted in him entering hospice.

Steve Harwell's Legacy Included Memorable Shrek Placement

“Steve’s legacy will live on through the music,” Hayes told Rolling Stone. “With Steve, Smash Mouth has sold over 10 Million albums worldwide-wide and topped the charts with two #1 hit singles, five Top 40 singles, three Hot 100 singles, four Billboard 200 albums and a Grammy nomination not to mention the hundreds of film and television placements and of course those musical features in Shrek.”

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In a post shared on social media, Smash Mouth called Harwell “a true American Original” and said he should be remembered for his “unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.”

You can read the band’s full statement via Instagram below:

Steve Harwell was a true American Original. 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. His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones.

Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life.

Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.

Good night Heevo Veev.

Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the stars, and magically hit your target.

A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Watch Smash Mouth's Official Music Video For "All-Star"