Steve Harwell, the lead singer of US band Smash Mouth, has died at the age of 56 at his home in Idaho.
According to the band manager, he was in the final stages of liver failure and was receiving end of life care. In a statement, Robert Hayes said,
“[Harwell] passed peacefully and comfortably” with family and friends by his side. “Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognisable voices from his generation,” Hayes added. “He loved the fans and loved to perform … Steve lived a 100 percent full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out.”
Harwell retired from the band in 2021 due to physical and mental health issues, prompted after an intoxicated performance where he was filmed slurring his words and yelling at the audience. He struggled with alcoholism, cardiomyopathy and subsequently a neurological condition that affected his memory and speech.
Some of the band’s greatest hits include “All Star”, “Walkin’ on the Sun” and “I’m a Believer”.
*Cover image via Bobby Bank/Getty Images
