Former Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell died early Monday at his home in Boise, Idaho, a spokesman confirmed to CBS News. He was 56.
The artist — whose band is best known for the 1999 hit “All Star” — was in hospice care, according to representative Robert Hayes.
The cause of death was acute liver failure, Hayes said in a statement.
“He was surrounded by family and friends and was peaceful and relaxed,” Hayes said Monday.
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Harwell retired from Smash Mouth in 2021 and the band continues to tour with new vocalist Zach Goode. Smash Mouth has sold over 10 million albums worldwide and has had No. 1 hit singles, five Top 40 singles and a Grammy nomination.
Smash Mouth formed in 1994 and released two platinum albums, 1997’s “Fush Yu Mang” and 1999’s “Astro Lounge,” which featured the chart-topping “All Star.”
Smash Mouth’s first hit “Walkin’ on the Sun” and a cover of the Monkees song “I’m a Believer” have racked up hundreds of millions of streams since their release.
But it was the rousing “All Star” – featured on the soundtrack to the 2001 blockbuster “Shrek” – that will forever be associated with Harwell and Smash Mouth.
Smash Mouth – All Star (Official Music Video) by SmashMouthVEVO on YouTube
“Nobody else could have sung that song.” Harwell told Rolling Stone in 2019, “It would never have been what it is now. I could have pitched this song to a million bands and they would have tried it and it would never have been what it is.”
Harwell was previously diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease.
He will be cremated in Boise and buried in San Jose, California, Hayes said.
“His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly ruthless ambition and his king-size cajones,” Hayes said. “Steve lived a life at 100% full throttle. It shone brightly across the universe before burning out.”
Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth Ethan Miller/Getty Images
On Monday afternoon, Smash Mouth posted on Xthe social media site formerly known as Twitter about Harwell’s death.
“Steve Harwell was a true American original. A larger-than-life figure that shot into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve will be remembered for his unwavering focus and fierce determination to reach the heights of pop stardom. Rest in peace knowing you have achieved your goal.” for the stars and magically hit your target. Be calm.”
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