Steve Harwell, former lead singer of Smash Mouth, dies at 56

Steve Harwell, the former lead singer of Smash Mouth, died on Monday, the rock band announced. He was 56.

Smash Mouth announced Harwell's death on Instagram, saying he was a "true American Original."

"A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle," Smash Mouth said. "Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom."

"The fact that he achieved this near-impossible goal with very limited musical experience makes his accomplishments all the more remarkable," the post continued. "His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones. Steve lived a 100% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out."

Harwell died "peacefully and comfortably" at his home in Boise, Idaho, Monday morning while surrounded by family and friends, the band said in a statement. The cause of death was liver failure, according to a representative for Smash Mouth.

Harwell was an original member and the former frontman for Smash Mouth, known for their songs "Walkin' on the Sun" and "All Star," until his retirement in 2021.

The group's debut album, 1997's "Fush Yu Mang," spawned the single "Walkin' on the Sun" and was certified double-platinum by the Recording Industry Associated of America, but they broke even bigger with their 1999 triple-platinum album "Astro Lounge" and its single, "All Star."

"All Star" hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 -- a career high for Smash Mouth -- and was memorably featured on the soundtrack to the 2001 animated film "Shrek." Smash Mouth also covered The Monkees' "I'm a Believer" for Shrek, and has remained inextricably tied to the movie since its release.

Following "Astro Lounge" and "Shrek," Smash Mouth's mainstream popularity began to wane, though the band continued to tour. However, their later tours were marred by bizarre incidents, such as during a 2015 concert when Harwell began yelling at the audience after they reportedly threw pieces of bread at him.

Then, during a 2021 show, Harwell was filmed yelling obscenities at the crowd and slurring his speech. Shortly thereafter, Harwell announced his retirement from touring, citing his health, which had been impacted by his cardiomyopathy heart condition.

"Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a Rockstar performing in front of sold-out arenas and have been so fortunate to live out that dream," Harwell told TMZ at the time.

Smash Mouth has continued on with a new lead singer, Zach Goode.