Smash Mouth star Steve Harwell has tragically died aged 56, just a day after it was revealed he was on his deathbed.
The singer was surrounded by family and friends when he died “peacefully and comfortably” on Monday at his home in Boise, Idaho.
Harwell had been facing severe health challenges and was in the final stages of liver failure while in hospice care at his home, where he had been visited by loved ones in his last days.
He rose to fame with the US rock band, who are best known for hits such as All Star and their cover of I’m a Believer, which featured in the Shrek movies.
In a statement, his manager, Robert Hayes, said: “Steve Harwell passed away this morning September 4, 2023 at his home in Boise Idaho. He was surrounded by family and friends and passed peacefully and comfortably.”
Hayes said that Harwell’s legacy would “live on through music”, with Smash Mouth having sold over 10 million albums worldwide.
He added: “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.
“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% full-throttle life. Burning brightly across the universe before burning out. Good night Heevo Veev. Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the stars, and magically hit your target.
“He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.”
On Sunday, Harwell’s manager said he was “on his deathbed” and had “just a week to live”, but sadly he passed away even sooner than expected.
