Steve Harwell, the beloved lead singer of the rock band Smash Mouth, passed away on Monday at the age of 56. Known for their catchy tunes like “Walkin’ on the Sun” and “All Star,” Smash Mouth took the music scene by storm in the late 1990s.
Born in San Jose, Steve Harwell co-founded Smash Mouth in 1994, alongside guitarist Greg Camp, drummer Kevin Coleman, and bassist Paul De Lisle. Their breakthrough hit, “Walkin’ on the Sun,” from their debut album “Fush Yu Mang” (1997), captured the attention of music lovers everywhere. With its upbeat rhythm and captivating lyrics, the song quickly climbed the charts and gained heavy rotation on MTV.
But it was their next album, “Astro Lounge,” released in 1999, that propelled Smash Mouth to superstardom. The album’s lead single, “All Star,” penned by guitarist Greg Camp, rose to the fourth spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart. It became the band’s biggest hit and remains an anthem that resonates with fans to this day. The song’s exposure skyrocketed when it was featured in movies like “Inspector Gadget,” “Mystery Men,” and the iconic animated film “Shrek.”
Since its release, “All Star” has become a viral sensation, spawning countless online parodies and collecting nearly a billion streams on Spotify alone. With Steve Harwell’s distinctive raspy voice leading the way, the opening lines of the song have become etched in our memories: “Somebody once told me/The world is gonna roll me/I ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed.”
Steve Harwell’s musical journey started earlier in his life as a rapper with the group F.O.S. However, after a pivotal moment at a radio convention in Las Vegas, where he grew tired of the hip-hop scene, he decided to form an alternative rock band – Smash Mouth.
While Smash Mouth’s success waned after “Astro Lounge,” they continued to release music until 2012. In 2022, the band enlisted a new lead singer, Zach Goode, who will carry on the band’s legacy through their upcoming concerts.
Steve Harwell’s contributions to the music industry will forever be cherished. His raspy voice and powerful stage presence captivated audiences around the world. He leaves behind a lasting musical legacy and will be remembered as the iconic voice of Smash Mouth.
Our thoughts go out to Steve Harwell’s loved ones during this difficult time. His talent and spirit will always live on through the music that touched our lives.
