By Marisa Laudadio
5:46pm PDT, Oct 3, 2023
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Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell — the voice behind hits including "All Star" and "Walkin' on the Sun" — "passed peacefully and comfortably" on Sept. 4 surrounded by family and friends at his home in Boise, Idaho, the band's manager confirmed. The Grammy nominee was 56.
Steve died from acute liver failure nearly two years after announcing his retirement. Smash Mouth's manager previously told TMZ that Steve had struggled with alcohol abuse throughout his life and was hospitalized before heading home to enter hospice care as he reached the final stage of liver failure.
In the wake of the news, fellow music stars, famous friends and other celebrities spoke out to mourn the rocker.
Keep reading to see how stars are reacting to his passing…
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"Known this dude for a very long time… opened for NSync and even was my wedding singer at my wedding. We had some good times! Sad all things must come to an end and sometimes too soon due to things that are past fixing because too much damage has been done… but let's be real its never too late! Hopefully people out there that are dealing with addiction get the right help that they need. It's a crazy world we live in now… thinking /praying for all… RIP Steve!" –*NSYNC singer Joey Fatone
MORE: '90s rockers then and now: Photos
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Former DJ, MTV "TRL" host and "Today" show star Carson Daly shared two lengthy messages about Steve Harwell on Instagram.
"I spent the morning down the rabbit hole of '90s music memories as I got the official heartbreaking news about the passing of Steve Harwell from Smash Mouth. I met Steve and the band in 1995 when I was a DJ on KOME in San Jose, California, where they're from. The band was new, unsigned and only had an EP out.
"In an attempt to help support our local band (and new party pals) we played their song 'Nervous In The Alley' 1 billion times. Things started really happening for them. Our friendship grew tighter. In 1996 I got a job doing nights at KROQ-LA (my childhood radio station and dream job) I'm pretty sure Smash Mouth literally drove me to LA from the bay in their s***** white tour van as they set up showcases to try and get a deal.
"Inside KROQ I could continue to champion the band and played 'Walking On the Sun' in a music meeting and they LOVED IT. It would be a huge hit song on the country's most influential alt rock station performed by an UNSIGNED band. Unheard of. It played regularly next to Green Day, Nirvana, No Doubt, Pearl Jam and NIN. Finally Interscope signed them and they were on their way!
"I always kept track of their success as I moved on to MTV and NBC. They had a great run and wrote (and covered) some timeless pop songs…(continued in part 2 post)…"
Keep reading for part 2 of Carson's memories…
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Carson Daly continued sharing his memories of Steve Harwell in a second post…
"Many years went by and I was aware of Steve's darker days. Life threw him some nasty curveballs including the tragic passing of his son in 2001 and addiction issues. I always rooted and prayed for him.
"I saw him in 2016 at the 'Today' show when he performed our '90s Halloween show. We hugged like long lost bros and got caught up on each other's lives. That was the last time I saw him.
"I'll always remember all the laughs (Steve could have the room in stitches when he got on a roll, he was so quick witted) the gigs (I played guitar on stage at a show I'll never forget in San Jose) It was a magical time.
"In better days, Steve was a force of a frontman and lived the life of 50 men. He brought joy to millions with his music and his legacy will thankfully live on. I hope in his final days and hours, surrounded by family and friends, he found comfort. He's in a better place now for sure. Thanks for the good times, Steve. You're home with little Presley now. Rejoice and rest in peace."
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"My heart goes out to the family, friends and fans of Steve Harwell of @smashmouth who has passed away. When the hit 'All Star' from their album 'Astro Lounge' came out, I understood that this feel good song, catchy as heck lyrics and music was more than just a summer top 10. It was an anthem for people, like myself, who came from a background of low self esteem and trauma. It was a Jolt cola, rocket ship filled with a million specs of belief… almost overkill but for someone that needed that mental embrace a few of those ear worm fragments might get someone to stand up and find their way.
"I was even more excited to be in the music video which as of today has gotten over 457 MILLION views. I would listen to the song and when it hit the line, 'My world's on fire, how about yours?' I always wanted become the person asking that question and never have to be asked again because I insisted on finding a way to adventure forward. Steve Harwell thank you for the music. Thx for believing those words and sharing them." –comedian Dane Cook
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"Rest in peace Steve Harwell. I remember hanging with you back in the MTV days. You were always super cool and an amazing talent — my condolences to your family and friends" –comedian Tom Green
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"Rest easy, my friend. I'm truly sorry for the difficult battle you had to fight. You were an amazing soul and will be deeply missed." –*NSYNC singer Chris Kirkpatrick
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"11 years ago I met Steve Harwell, there was a fire alarm and we were staying at the same hotel, we talked outside while we waited, ended up at the bar, crashed a wedding, and that night I joined Instagram. This photo was my first post on Instagram — god**** we had a fun night that night!!! #RIPSteveHarwell" –comedian Bert Kreischer
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"RIP Steve Harwell. You brought a lotta joy to a lotta people. You were so much more than a meme [broken heart emoji]." –the band Eve 6
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"Steve Harwell was a true American Original. A larger than life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve will be remembered for his unwavering focus and impassioned determination to reach the heights of pop stardom. Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the stars, and magically hit your target. Rest easy" –Steve's former band, Smash Mouth
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"I remember meeting Steve when he and the band visited ESPN at the height of their popularity. Was so nice. RIP Steve. You're an AllStar forever." –ESPN sportscaster Linda Cohn
