Singer Steve Harwell has passed away peacefully at the age of 56.
The Smash Mouth frontman succumbed to his condition just a day after his representative confirmed that the musician had entered hospice care as a result of his years-long alcohol abuse and battle with a variety of medical issues.
According to Steve’s manager, Robert Hayes, the musician died “peacefully and comfortably” and was surrounded by his loved ones including fiancée Annette Jones.
“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,” Hayes said in a tribute to the All Star hitmaker.
While the official cause of death is yet to be confirmed, the manager previously revealed that Harwell was moved to hospice care after entering the final stage of liver failure.
“His legacy will live on through the music. Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom,” Hayes added.
“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.”
Harwell was best known for his role as the lead singer of the American rock band Smash Mouth which he had helped found back in 1994. The band went on to release tracks like All Star, Why Can’t We Be Friends, and Walkin’ On The Sun and skyrocketed to fame after their hit song All Star appeared in the 2001 animated film Shrek.
Our thoughts remain with Steve’s loved ones during this challenging time.