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

• Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell tragically passed away at 56.
• His unfortunate death comes years after he suffered the devastating loss of his son, Presley Scott Harwell, and he only learned his son was sick days before Presley's death.
• The iconic musician's last video with his band left his 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..."

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 source close to Steve 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 downhill."

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.

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.

In 2019, Steve went through another tough time when a woman named Esther Campbell filed a restraining order against him. Media outlets say that Campbell and Steve had been dating for a year and got engaged a month before the filing.

However, the short-lived couple never made it to the aisle. Court documents stipulated that Steve's ex-fiancé filed the restraining order because she claimed Steve "began bombarding her with harassing texts and calls, [partaking in] threatening behavior...his drinking [had] gotten out of hand."

Smash Mouth fans continue to mourn Steve and send their condolences to his loved ones. His legacy lives on with his co-founded rock band, which continues to honor his life and significant contributions.