On September 4, news spread about the death of Steven Harwell, the former lead singer of Smash Mouth. He rose to fame thanks to songs created for the animated film Shrek. This article walks through the most pivotal moments in the life of this musician.
Formation of the Smash Mouth band
From 1990 to 1994, Stephen sang with a lesser known group named FOS. After the group disbanded, he started Smash Mouth with drummer Kevin Coleman. Greg Camp and Paul De Lisle joined as guitarists, while Stephen took the role of vocalist. The band blended ska and punk influences, adding trumpets, trombones, and saxophones to a rock setup dominated by bass and drums.
Smash Mouth’s breakthrough album Astro Lounge dropped in 1999. It achieved platinum status in the United States and Canada, and the breakout single All Star topped the US Top 40 Mainstream and the US Adult Top 40 charts.
The soundtrack of the first Shrek film played a key role in the band’s surge in popularity. Smash Mouth’s music was heard at the film’s opening and throughout the credits, helping to cement the movie as a cultural milestone of the era. The film grossed nearly half a billion dollars on a 60 million budget and won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Its sequel also performed well at the box office.
Smash Mouth’s All Star opens the movie and sets the tone for the story. The band also covered The Monkees’ hit I’m a Believer, which appears before the credits. The cartoon’s popularity broadened the band’s appeal beyond rock fans, making these two tracks familiar to many casual viewers.
The question of which green-skinned character inspired fans the most became a common topic among viewers.
In 2001, Stephen and his team appeared in the comedy Rat Race.
In 2013 the group recorded two songs for the soundtrack of the South Korean cartoon Pororo the Penguin: Big Races, namely Beside Myself and Everything Just Crazy.
Beside Myself and Everything Just Crazy helped introduce Smash Mouth to younger audiences and international listeners, expanding their reach beyond North America.
Presley Medical Research Foundation
In 2001, Stephen’s eldest son Presley passed away from lymphocytic leukemia. This tragedy touched the musician deeply and influenced his work, while part of his effort was channeled into medical philanthropy. He established a medical research foundation named in honor of his child.
Stephen had six children. Their names include Harlem, Harlem Jr., Harlim, Harlem and Carlem, entries often noted by fans appreciating the family life behind the musician.
Later, footage emerged of the artist performing and sharing moments with fans, underscoring a vital part of his public persona beyond the studio work.
Participation in a talk show
Beyond music, Stephen Harwell appeared on various talk shows. A notable example is The Surreal Life, a reality series where celebrities from different fields shared a single roof and created spontaneous moments on camera. He appeared in Season 6, which aired from March to May 2006, contributing lively performances and interviews alongside other entertainers.
In Russia, similar reality formats followed, illustrating how reality television traveled and adapted to different markets during that era.
Wine and Beer Festival appearance and retirement
From 2003 to 2012 Smash Mouth released three albums, but none achieved major commercial impact. The band continued touring worldwide. On October 9, 2021, Stephen performed on the main stage at the Wine and Beer Festival at Bethel Woods Arts Center. He appeared intoxicated, forgot the lyrics, and directed a hostile gesture toward the audience. Soon after, he announced retirement, citing health concerns. The band persisted with a new lead singer, while the faithful fans kept the memory of the early lineup alive.
Toward the end of Stephen Harwell’s time with Smash Mouth, only Paul De Lisle remained from the original lineup.
Alcoholism and death
Stephen faced years of struggle with alcoholism. In 2013 he developed health issues affecting the heart, speech, and memory. On September 3, 2023, it was reported that he was in hospice care; a day later, he died from liver failure. The band’s manager reflected that Stephen lived life with intensity and commitment until the very end.
Did readers enjoy Smash Mouth’s music, or is this news new to them? Thoughts and memories about the band are welcome in the comments.
What do you think of the group Smash Mouth?
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