Michael Schmidt-Steve Harwell, the former lead singer of Smash Mouth, has died at 56

2025-05-08 08:39:19source:Thurston Cartecategory:Contact

Steve Harwell,Michael Schmidt the former lead singer and frontman for the rock band Smash Mouth, has died at his home in Boise, Idaho. He was 56 years old.

His death was confirmed by the band's manager, Robert Hayes, who said the cause was acute liver failure. He said Harwell was "surrounded by family and friends and passed peacefully and comfortably."

Harwell founded Smash Mouth in 1994. He and the band, including Greg Camp on guitar, Paul De Lisle on bass and Kevin Coleman on drums, shot to fame with hits such the 1997's "Walking on the Sun" and "All Star" from the 1999 album Astro Lounge. "All Star" appeared in the 2001 animated movie Shrek, as did the band's cover version of the Monkees' classic "I'm a Believer."

Hayes said with Harwell, Smash Mouth sold over 10 million albums worldwide.

Harwell left Smash Mouth in 2021, shortly after a performance in Upstate New York, where he was slurring his words and seem disoriented.

Harwell issued a statement saying he needed to work on longstanding physical and mental health issues.

Hayes called Harwell a "true American original," and said he should be remembered for his unwavering focus and determination to reach the heights of pop stardom. The fact that Harwell did that with limited musical experience, he said, makes his achievements all the more remarkable.

More:Contact

Recommend

Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams

Early Thursday morning, "Forbes" released their annual list of the 50 most valuable sports franchise

Missouri judge says abortion-rights measure summary penned by GOP official is misleading

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge ruled Thursday that an anti-abortion GOP official used mislead

Sister Wives' Janelle Brown Shares Heartbreaking Message to Son Garrison 6 Months After His Death 

Janelle Brown is sharing her grief with her fans.Six months after the tragic death of her and ex Kod