– Steve Harwell, lead singer and founding member of Smash Mouth, has passed away at 56.
– Harwell was part of the TV reality show The Surreal Life in 2005.
– Smash Mouth rose to fame in the late 90s and 2000s with hits like “All Star” and “Walkin’ on the Sun.”
Steve Harwell, the recognizable voice of the band Smash Mouth and a participant of the reality television series The Surreal Life, has died at the age of 56. In a career span of 25 years, his band Smash Mouth emerged as one of the most popular musical acts from the late 90s to the 2000s with mega-hits such as “All Star” and “Walkin’ on the Sun.”
Harwell co-founded Smash Mouth alongside bassist Paul DeLisle in 1994, and the group swiftly gained prominence with the 1997 release of their debut album, “Fush Yu Mang,” which included “Walkin’ on the Sun.” The momentum continued with their 1999 release “Astro Lounge,” featuring the iconic “All Star.” Their music featured prominently in movies like Shrek and Rat Race, further solidifying the band’s legacy.
In addition to his work with Smash Mouth, Harwell was a cast member on the 2005 reality show The Surreal Life, where he shared the screen with other iconic artists and personalities. Over the years, the band experienced several lineup changes, with Harwell remaining the consistent frontman, until his retirement due to health issues in 2021.
The impact of Steve Harwell on pop culture and music history is unquestionable. His contributions, alongside Smash Mouth, have had a lasting effect and continue to bring joy to new and old fans.