Rosario Monachino
Steve Harwell has died aged 56.
Harwell was best known for being the lead singer and frontman of the band Smash Mouth – who are behind the iconic track ‘All Star’.
They are also behind recognisable singles such as ‘Walkin’ on the Sun’ and ‘I’m a Believer’.
It had been reported that Harwell was in critical condition and had been under hospice care – with his family and close friends having been by his side for the past few days.
Sadly, Smash Mouth’s band manager, Robert Hayes, has confirmed that Harwell has passed away.
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In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, Hayes confirmed that Harwell died ‘peacefully and comfortably’, before paying a lengthy tribute to the singer.
It read: “Steve has been retired from Smash Mouth for two years now, and the band continues to tour with new vocalist Zach Goode.
“That said, Steve’s legacy will live on through the music. With Steve, Smash Mouth has sold over 10 Million albums worldwide 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.”
Meanwhile, in a separate statement shared to the Daily Mail, his manager shared that he died with his fiancée, Annette Jones, caring for him.
‘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,” the press release added.
Although Harwell’s official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, it was reported that he was in the final stages of liver failure – which is why he was moved to hospice care.
Concerns about his health arose during a performance a couple of years ago where he allegedly exhibited severe disorientation and slurred speech, as well as yelling at the audience.
Shortly after, Harwell announced his retirement from the band and the music industry.
A source close to the singer told the New York Post at the time that Harwell had been diagnosed with Wernicke encephalopathy, a condition that impacts motor skills and brain functionality.
It had also been reported that he allegedly suffered from cardiomyopathy – which is where the walls of the heart chambers have become stretched, thickened or stiff, impacting the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body, as per the NHS.
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Fans and companions of the Smash Mouth singer have paid tribute to him on social media.
“Shrek wouldn’t be Shrek without ‘All Star’. RIP Steve Harwell,” says one person.
“Heartbroken to hear of Steve Harwell’s passing,” adds someone else.
“His voice was the anthem to so many cherished moments. Sending strength and love to his family, bandmates, and fans. The world lost an all-star.”
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
“A legend in his own right…RIP Steve, you will be missed but not forgotten,” comments a third.
Another fan pens: “Rest in peace Steve, and thank you for making mine and many other’s childhoods so much better.”
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