Steve Harwell, lead singer of Smash Mouth, died on Monday, 4 September 2023. He was 56.
Steve Harwell dies: What’s the cause of death?
News of Steve Harwell’s death comes hours after TMZ exclusively reported that the singer was given a few days to live following health complications related to his liver.
While Harwell’s family had not released a statement when this article was published, reports indicate the All Star crooner died from liver failure.
Steve Harwell obituary
Steven Harwell was an American singer, best known as the charismatic former lead vocalist and frontman for the iconic rock band Smash Mouth.
His journey in the realm of music began alongside bassist Paul De Lisle, and together, they became the enduring pillars of the band. Greg Camp, Kevin Coleman, and Paul De Lisle formed Smash Mouth, paving the way for a musical legacy that would leave an indelible mark on the industry.
Before his time with Smash Mouth, Steven’s artistic talents shone in various avenues, including his early career as a rapper in F.O.S.
He ventured beyond music into the world of entertainment, gracing the screens in the VH1 reality show The Surreal Life in 2006 and making cameo appearances in films like Rat Race.
Yet, it was the infectious song All Star that catapulted Smash Mouth to international acclaim, becoming an anthem for a generation.
Steven’s dedication to his craft extended to unexpected places, such as his performance in the South Korean-Chinese animated film Pororo, The Racing Adventure, where he lent his voice to two remarkable songs.
His career was not without its challenges, and in 2016, during a performance in Urbana, Illinois, he faced a health setback, collapsing on stage.
Nevertheless, his spirit endured, and the band carried on, a testament to his resilience.
In more recent years, the toll of health issues became apparent. In October 2021, during a performance at Bethel Woods Centre for the Arts, his struggles were evident. This marked the beginning of his retirement, a decision influenced by ongoing health concerns.
Steven bore unimaginable grief in his life, having lost his son, Presley, to acute lymphocytic leukaemia at just six months old. In memory of his beloved son, he established a medical research fund in Presley’s name, a testament to his enduring love and compassion.
His battle with cardiomyopathy and Wernicke encephalopathy in 2013 led to his retirement from the stage. These health challenges affected his motor functions, speech, and memory, yet he remained undeterred in spirit.
In his final days, Steven faced the ultimate struggle, battling chronic liver failure while in hospice care. On Monday, 4 September 2023, he passed away peacefully at his home in Boise, Idaho, leaving behind a musical legacy that will forever echo in our hearts.
Reactions to Harwell’s death
News of Harwell’s death, while expected, left the singer’s fans and peers devastated. Here are some of the reactions we sourced from social media:
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