Bands That Lost Their Original Lead Singer

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Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth

Died September 4, 2023 (aged 56)

The band was formed in 1994 and was originally composed of Steve Harwell (lead vocals), Kevin Coleman (drums), Greg Camp (guitar), and Paul De Lisle (bass). With Harwell's departure in 2021, De Lisle is now the only original member. They are known for their songs "Walkin' on the Sun" (1997), "All Star" (1999), and "Then The Morning Comes" (1999), as well as a cover of The Monkees' "I'm a Believer" (2001).

Steven Scott Harwell (January 9, 1967 – September 4, 2023) was an American musician. He was the lead vocalist and frontman for the rock band Smash Mouth from its formation in 1994 until his retirement in 2021. Their songs include "Walkin' on the Sun" and "All Star".

In October 2021, the band performed at a beer and wine festival at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, New York, where he appeared to be intoxicated, threatening audience members and performing what looked like a Nazi salute. He then announced his retirement due to ongoing health issues, and was replaced by Zach Goode.

Throughout most of his life, Harwell struggled with alcoholism; this was exacerbated by the death of his son, as evidenced by several shows over the years where he performed heavily intoxicated or with other health difficulties. In 2013, he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and Wernicke encephalopathy, which can affect functions such as speech and memory. He was hospitalized in 2017 for his cardiomyopathy, leading to the cancellation of a show. He retired in 2021 due to health issues hindering his ability to perform.

Harwell died from acute liver failure at his home in Boise, Idaho, on September 4, 2023, one day after his manager, Robert Hayes, announced Harwell was in hospice for final-stage liver failure.

Information sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Harwell
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smash_Mouth