Smash Mouth cofounder Steve Harwell dies aged 56
Smash Mouth cofounder Steve Harwell has passed away aged 56.
Band manager Robert Hayes confirmed the news in a statement to Rolling Stone revealing that Harwell died at his home in Boise, Idaho, 'surrounded by family and friends'.
He added that the musician 'passed peacefully and comfortably' and said the cause was liver failure.
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"Steve has been retired from Smash Mouth for two years now, and the band continues to tour with new vocalist Zach Goode," Hayes added.
"That said, Steve’s legacy will live on through the music. With Steve, Smash Mouth has sold over 10 million albums worldwide-wide and topped the charts with two #1 hit singles, five Top 40 singles, three Hot 100 singles, four Billboard 200 albums and a Grammy nomination not to mention the hundreds of film and television placements and of course those musical features in Shrek."
The band manager continued: "Steve’s iconic voice is one of the most recognisable voices from his generation. He loved the fans and loved to perform.
"Steve Harwell was a true American Original. 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.
"His only tools were his irrepressible charm and charisma, his fearlessly reckless ambition, and his king-size cajones.
"Steve lived a 100 percent full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out."
Tributes for the late star have since flooded in with fans all over taking to social media to share their condolences.
One Twitter user penned: "R.I.P our childhood All Star."
A second added: "He will always be an All Star, rest in peace legend."
Another fan offered: "An absolute legend; 'All Star' will continue to be played even when we too, are gone. RIP and thanks for the memories!"
"Steve Harwell, the legendary cofounder of Smash Mouth, gifted us countless catchy melodies," chimed in a fourth.
"What a truly electrifying career! His music lives on, bringing contagious joy like 'All Star' to our ears. Rest in peace, Steve, your legacy will keep rocking."
A fifth echoed: "RIP! Watching Shrek again won’t be the same..."
"RIP Steve," wrote a final Twitter user. "56 is just way too young. Still had so much to do and accomplish in your life still.
"You filled my heart with tons of happiness ever since the first time I heard your music as a kid."
Rhiannon Ingle