Smash Mouth Biography

Blending elements of garage band, surf, and punk/thrash, Smash Mouth burst onto the music scene in 1997 with their breakthrough hit "Walkin’ on the Sun." Formed in 1994 by Steve Harwell, the band achieved lasting success throughout the late 1990s and into the new millennium. Harwell, previously known for his stint as a rapper with F.O.S., collaborated with Kevin Coleman, a friend and drummer, following the disbandment of his former group. The introduction of Greg Camp and Paul DeLisle through Harwell's former manager quickly solidified the formation of Smash Mouth. Inspired by their performances alongside No Doubt and Beck at a summer festival, the band embarked on recording their debut album. In 1997, "Fush Yu Mang" was released, featuring the hit single "Walkin’ on the Sun." The track's immediate success earned the album a spot on the Top 40 charts. The addition of Michael Klooster on keyboards and later, Mark Cervantes on drums, enriched the band's sound for their subsequent release, "Astro Lounge" (1999), which produced the popular single "All Star." Subsequent albums included "Smash Mouth" (2001) and "Get the Picture" (2003). The band's music reached wider audiences through contributions to film and television, including their cover of the Monkees' "I’m a Believer" for the film "Shrek." The single found a place on "All Star Smash Hits" in 2005. The release of the fifth studio album, "Summer Girl" (2006), introduced tracks such as "Getaway Car," featured in the film "Zoom." Despite changes in the band's lineup, Smash Mouth's dedication to music remained steadfast. The current lineup of Steve Harwell, Paul De Lisle, Michael Klooster, Randy Cooke, and Mike Krompass continues to write, record, perform, and tour. In 2012, the band transitioned to 429 Records, releasing "Magic." Subsequently, the live album "Playlist: The Very Best of Smash Mouth" followed in 2016. In 2017, Smash Mouth unveiled their latest album—a nostalgic acoustic re-recording of their debut album, "Fush Yu Mang," coinciding with the group’s 20th anniversary. However, amidst their journey, the news emerged that Steve Harwell, the iconic former lead singer of Smash Mouth, is currently receiving hospice care at his home. Harwell's fiancée is offering support during this challenging period. Although Harwell's medical condition remains private, his remarkable contribution to music and his love for performing are undeniable. Throughout his tenure, Harwell's distinctive voice led the band to fame, culminating in a Grammy nomination for "All Star." The track achieved cult status after its appearance in the animated film "Shrek." Harwell's passion for the band's success was evident in his efforts to personally promote their album "Astro Lounge" to radio stations across the nation. Since Harwell's departure from the band in 2021, Smash Mouth has continued to captivate audiences with the talent of new lead vocalist Zach Goode, ensuring the band's legacy remains vibrant and influential.