Steven Scott Harwell (January 9, 1967 – September 4, 2023) was an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and frontman of the rock band Smash Mouth, a role he held from the band’s formation in 1994 until his retirement in 2021.
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Steve Harwell Net Worth
At the time of his death, Steve Harwell had a net worth of $2.5 million. He was best known as the founder and lead singer of Smash Mouth, one of the most popular bands of the 1990s. The band sold 10 million albums, had two #1 hits, and five Top 40 singles.
Their songs, including hits like “All Star,” “I’m a Believer,” and “Walkin’ on the Sun,” were featured in numerous films, notably the “Shrek” franchise. Harwell and bassist Paul De Lisle were the only remaining original members.
Early life
Steven Harwell was born on January 9, 1967, in Santa Clara, California. He attended Prospect High School in Saratoga, California. In the early 1990s, Harwell and Greg Camp met while playing in a local band called Fush Yu Mang.
They bonded over their love for classic rock and pop music. In 1994, they formed Smash Mouth, recruiting Paul De Lisle and Kevin Coleman to complete the band’s lineup, launching their successful music career.
Career
Steve Harwell was initially a rapper in the group F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech) but left after being influenced by Dr. Dre’s 1992 album The Chronic. In 1994, he co-founded Smash Mouth with Greg Camp, Kevin Coleman, and Paul De Lisle, gaining success with songs like “Walkin’ on the Sun” (1997) and “All Star” (1999).
Harwell appeared on The Surreal Life (2006) and in films like Rat Race (2001). In 2021, he retired from Smash Mouth due to health issues, replaced by Zach Goode.
Personal life
Steve Harwell married Michelle Laroque in 2000, but they divorced in 2019. They had a son, Presley, who tragically passed away from acute lymphocytic leukemia at six months old in July 2001.
Presley’s death led to the creation of the Presley Scott Research Foundation for Leukemia, dedicated to disease prevention.
What sickness did Steve Harwell have?
In 2013, Steve Harwell was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and Wernicke encephalopathy, conditions often worsened by alcohol use. Cardiomyopathy is a heart disease where the heart muscles weaken, reducing their ability to pump blood effectively, potentially leading to heart failure.
Conclusion
Steve Harwell’s journey as the frontman of Smash Mouth has been marked by great success and personal challenges. His contributions to the music industry, combined with his unique stage presence and vocal style, have cemented his legacy in pop-rock history.
FAQs about Steve Harwell
- What is Steve Harwell’s Net Worth?
- Approximately $2.5 million.
- How Old is Steve Harwell?
- 56 years old.
- Who Replaced Steve Harwell in Smash Mouth?
- Zach Goode.
- What is Smash Mouth’s Latest Music Release?
- “Underground Sun” in 2023.
- Was Steve Harwell Married with Children?
- He was married to Michelle Laroque and had one son, Presley.
