- Steve Harwell has passed away
- Harwell was the lead singer for Smash Mouth
- THIS is what he died from
Steve Harwell, who cofounded the band Smash Mouth in 1994, has died at the age of 56, band manager Robert Hayes confirmed. The musician, best known for hits like "All Star" and "I’m a Believer," died at his home in Boise, ID surrounded by family and friends. According to 'The New York Times' Harwell had been in hospice care following medical complications. The cause of death was liver failure.
'Rolling Stone' reports that Harwell "passed peacefully and comfortably." Hayes said in a statement that, "Steve has been retired from Smash Mouth for two years now, and the band continues to tour with new vocalist Zach Goode."
Steve's music won't be forgotten
"That said, Steve’s legacy will live on through the music. 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," the statement read.
Who could deny that the lovable green ogre goes hand in hand with Smash Mouth. "Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognizable voices from his generation. He loved the fans and loved to perform. 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 percent full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out."
Also interesting:
The film legend's tragic life
Heartbreaking News
His life will be fondly remembered by so many around the world. The band's manager had earlier said Harwell was in the final stages of liver failure and was receiving end of life care at his home. Smash Mouth had a string of hits in the 1990s and 2000s.
Harwell, who struggled with alcoholism, was diagnosed with the heart ailment cardiomyopathy in 2013; and after that came a neurological condition which affected his memory and speech. But his final decision to leave Smash Mouth came after he appeared intoxicated at a performance in upstate New York, where he was filmed slurring his words and yelling at the audience.
May she rest in peace.
