As alternative went mainstream in the 1990s, Smash Mouth contributed some of the biggest songs of the decade, and continued to chart hit singles into the 2000s.
As previously reported, the band’s former lead singer, Steve Harwell died Monday (Sept. 4), a representative for the band confirmed to Billboard. Harwell, who performed as lead vocalist for the group until announcing his retirement in 2021, passed away at his home in Boise, Idaho, after being in hospice care. He was 56.
“Steve Harwell was a true American original,” reads a statement provided by Smash Mouth manager Robert Hayes. “A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom. And the fact that he achieved this near-impossible goal with very limited musical experience makes his accomplishments all the more remarkable.”
Harwell shared the news that he was leaving Smash Mouth due to his health issues in October 2021. In a statement he wrote, “Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a rock star performing in front of sold-out arenas and have been so fortunate to live out that dream. To my bandmates, it’s been an honor performing with you all these years and I can’t think of anyone else I would have rather gone on this wild journey with.”
Below, browse a recap of Smash Mouth’s history on five key Billboard charts, starting with the group’s breakthrough with “Walkin’ on the Sun” in 1997 and continuing with such enduring fellow hits as “All Star” in 1999 and its cover of The Monkees’ Neil Diamond-penned “I’m a Believer” in 2001.
