Steve Harwell Dead: Smash Mouth Front Man Fought A Long Fight Against Ill Health

Smash Mouth Steve Harwell has died Monday morning after a long fight against ill health.

The exact cause of Steve Harwell's death is not known at this time, but it has been previously reported he was dying due to liver failure.

This comes after a statement on Sunday by a Smash Mouth representative to The Washington Post that the former lead vocalist of the rock band was in hospice care and has been given only a short time.

According to a statement from the rocker's representative, "Steve Harwell passed away this morning September 4, 2023 at his home in Boise Idaho."

"He was surrounded by family and friends and passed peacefully and comfortably."

Steve is now preceded in death by his and Michelle Laroque's son, Presley Scott Harwell, who sadly passed away at six months old due to complications from acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2001.

Steve Harwell Smash Mouth Founder

Smash Mouth, co-founded by Steve Harwell in 1994 and based out of San Jose, California quickly rose to international fame.

"Walkin' on the Sun" and covers of Neil Diamond's 1966 track "I'm a Believer" and The Monkees' song were considered some of their seminal hits.

Most significantly, these two tracks featured prominently in the 2001 animated movie "Shrek."

Apart from his successful music career, Steve appeared on the vast 2001 comedy "Rat Race "and was featured on the famous VH1 reality show "The Surreal Life" in 2006.

Steve Harwell Retired In 2021

After a concerning performance in Bethel, New York, in October 2021, Steve Harwell decided to retire to prioritize his health. Notable issues included slurring of words while singing.

In an announcement during that time, Smash Mouth's representative shared with the Los Angeles Times that he had left to attend to medical challenges such as ailments due to previous alcohol abuse.

According to a spokesperson for Smash Mouth, Steve has been struggling with various addictive behaviors, which have led to physical and mental health problems such as cardiomyopathy and Wernicke's encephalopathy.

This neurological condition has especially taken a toll on his speech and memory.

Smash Mouth later announced that Zach Goode will take the reins as frontman after Steve Harwell's retirement. In a statement released shortly afterward, Paul Hayes confirmed that Goode would continue to tour with them and expressed his gratitude for Harwell's lasting legacy.

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Steve Harwell, Smash Mouth