Smash Mouth to Release First New Music Since Steve Harwell’s Death

Smash Mouth will return this year with a brand new music, months after its original frontman Steve Harwell passed away.

The group will reportedly release the new music in a few days. According to People magazine, the alternative band is set to drop a new song called "Ride On," which will be available for streaming starting on April 12.

This marks the group's first track after the death of Harwell.

The group took to their official Instagram account to give fans a short teaser. The video featured a melodic instrumental background and vocals.

In a statement shared by bassist Paul Gerald DeLisle, he explained that the song was written as a continuation of their 2001 song "Pacific Coast Party."

"It's a very Smash Mouth-California style of rock/disco custom song made just for summer, a respectful and loving homage to Pablo Cruise," he explained.

The song was written by members DeLisle, Zachary Goode, Randy Cooke, Sean Hurwitz, and Michael Klooster.

What Happened to Steve Harwell?

According to a report published by the BBC in September 2023, Steve Harwell died at his home in Idaho while surrounded by his family and friends.

Before his death, Smash Mouth's manager confirmed that the musician suffered from the final stages of liver failure and opted to get treatment at his home.

"Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out," Robert Hayes said.

Although the group remained active, Harwell decided to retire from performing in 2021 due to his physical and health issues.

Harwell suffered from several complications throughout his life as he was also diagnosed with the heart ailment cardiomyopathy in 2013, which heavily affected his speaking and memory.

He decided to retire after performing in New York, where the crowd witnessed him slurring his words and yelling at fans.

Steve Harwell Remembered by Smash Mouth Bandmates

After his death, his bandmates took to social media to pay tribute and remember Harwell's legacy, as they want him to be remembered for his determination to "reach the heaights of pop stardom."

"His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones," they added.

Tags

Smash Mouth, Steve Harwell, New Song, Tribute, Death, Cause of death, News, Music