Steve Harwell, the previous lead singer of Smash Mouth has died on the age of 56. The reason for dying was acute liver failure, based on the band’s supervisor.
ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:
Steve Harwell, the previous lead singer of Smash Mouth, has died. In accordance with the band’s supervisor, the reason for dying was acute liver failure. Harwell was 56 years previous. NPR’s Andrew Limbong has this appreciation.
ANDREW LIMBONG, BYLINE: That first Smash Mouth file, 1997’s “Fush Yu Mang,” was this beautiful straight-ahead ska-punk album with tune titles like “Beer Goggles” and “Let’s Rock” – and likewise this considerate ode to getting alongside together with your fellow man.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “WALKIN’ ON THE SUN”)
SMASH MOUTH: (Singing) It ain’t no joke. I might like to purchase the world a toke, educate the world to sing in good concord.
LIMBONG: In “Walkin’ On The Solar,” Steve Harwell bemoans the conflict-ridden state of the world and talks about the way it’d be lots higher if we simply frolicked collectively and perhaps smoked a bit of. Nevertheless it is not some lazy stoner anthem. It is really a tune about urgency.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “WALKIN’ ON THE SUN”)
SMASH MOUTH: (Singing) So do not delay. Act now. Provides are operating out.
LIMBONG: In 2018, the band rerecorded that first album acoustically for its 20-year anniversary. Harwell and the band’s main songwriter, guitarist Greg Camp, instructed NPR that they needed to check the mettle of their songs. And hearken to Harwell be sure that Camp will get the highlight.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR BROADCAST)
STEVE HARWELL: We needed to remake it, , extra stripped down and campfirey (ph).
GREG CAMP: Steve and I used to all the time say {that a} good tune, if it may be performed on an acoustic guitar, it is – that is a very good tune. And so we used to sit down round at the back of the bus and play, like, Depeche Mode songs on acoustic guitar. And so it was enjoyable to truly try this tune that means and ensure that it was a reasonably darn good tune.
HARWELL: Fairly – , fairly darn good since you wrote it.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “WALKIN’ ON THE SUN”)
SMASH MOUTH: (Singing) You may as effectively be strolling on the solar.
LIMBONG: However after all, the band’s largest hit got here from their follow-up album, and it is Harwell’s voice that is entrance and middle.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “ALL STAR”)
SMASH MOUTH: (Singing) Any individual as soon as instructed me the world goes to roll me.
LIMBONG: In 1999, “All Star” was a prime 10 billboard hit. As we speak, because of age, placement in motion pictures and memes, it is a cultural touchstone.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “ALL STAR”)
SMASH MOUTH: (Singing) Hey now. You are an all-star. Get your recreation on. Go play. Hey now. You are a rock star. Get the present on. Receives a commission.
LIMBONG: The band continued making music and touring for many years with out ever reaching the highs of “All Star” once more. However Harwell instructed NPR in 2018 that he was grateful for the music.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED NPR BROADCAST)
HARWELL: Individuals ask me on a regular basis, they are saying, Steve, do you get sick of singing these songs and all that sort of stuff? And I am like, no. We’re proud to have these iconic songs that Greg has written and be capable of carry out them each evening – , so it feels good.
LIMBONG: In 2021, Smash Mouth performed a messy present in upstate New York. Video of Harwell slurring his phrases and cursing on the viewers went viral, and he retired from the band shortly after. In a press release asserting his dying, Smash Mouth’s supervisor Robert Hayes, referred to as him a real American authentic, quote, “a larger-than-life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle.” Andrew Limbong, NPR Information.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “ALL STAR”)
SMASH MOUTH: (Singing) Effectively, the years begin coming, they usually do not cease coming. Fed to the principles and I hit the bottom operating. Did not make sense to not stay for enjoyable.
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