Smash Mouth’s Steve Harwell, Who Lost Only Son, Tragically Dies at 56 — His Last Video Made Fans ‘Sad’

Steve Harwell was an iconic musician best known for being the lead singer of the famous rock band Smash Mouth. Soon after starting the rock group, they rose to fame with classic hits like “Walkin’ on the Sun” and their remakes of “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” and “I’m a Believer.”

The talented artist also composed various scores for different movies. He created songs for “The Cat in the Hat,” “The Jungle Book 2,” and most notably the “Shrek” franchise.

One of Smash Mouth’s biggest songs, “All Star,” reached an unparalleled level of popularity amongst fans, especially when it got featured in “Shrek.” Interestingly, Steve said he knew the song would fare quite well with the public before it was used in the movie’s intro:

“I just knew right away — this thing’s going to be everywhere…”

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On Monday, September 4, the “All Star” crooner tragically died after being in home hospice care due to medical complications. The rock band’s manager, Robert Hayes, confirmed the sad news and said Steve had passed from liver failure. Hayes disclosed that Steve had died peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by family and friends, and reiterated:

“…Steve’s legacy will live on through the music. With Steve, Smash Mouth has sold over 10 Million albums worldwide…”

Steve Harwell Retired in 2021 After His Last Performance With Smash Mouth That Left Fans ‘Sad’

Two years before Steve passed away, he performed one last time with Smash Mouth before retiring in 2021 because his health condition prohibited him from continuing with the band. While performing in upstate New York at the Big Sip festival, video footage from a fan showed the singer slurring his words, threatening the audience, and crudely gesturing to them.

The fan who posted the footage online called the performance chaotic. However, a close source of Steve’s defended the musician’s actions and said he had been having an episode as a result of the medical issues he faced:

“This unfortunate recording has now been taken out of context and his ailments used against him to paint him as someone who he isn’t.”

Upon seeing Steve’s actions on stage, Smash Mouth fans were left disheartened and expressed their concerns. One fan commented:

“But after researching him it’s kinda sad he ended up like this. his son died of cancer at only 6 months old. That was probably a pivotal moment in his life that led him down hill.”

Before He Passed, Steve Harwell Went Through a Tough Time With the Tragic Loss of His Son

During the course of his life, Steve endured a personal tragedy when he lost his only son, Presley Scott Harwell, and went through some challenging times. Before he passed away, Steve was married to Michelle Laroque for years, and they welcomed Presley in January 2001. The former couple kept their relationship very private and not much is known about Laroque or her time with Steve.

The tragic death of the son of Steve Harwell, founder of Smash Mouth, while he was experiencing success with 'Shrek' – El Financierohttps://t.co/Rm8NzFKKMh

— Jaun News Usa (@jaunnewsusa) September 4, 2023

Unfortunately, baby Presley succumbed to acute lymphocytic leukemia complications and died at six months old. According to sources, Laroque and Steve only discovered their baby was sick mere days before he passed.

Smash Mouth on CBS’ “Early Show” in 2003 | Source: Getty Images

Smash Mouth performing at the 28th Annual Peoples Choice Awards in Pasadena, 2002 | Source: Getty Images