History of Steve Harwell in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 24, 2024

Steven Scott Harwell was an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and frontman for the rock band Smash Mouth. He co-founded the band in 1994 and led them to mainstream success with hit songs like "Walkin' on the Sun" and "All Star". Harwell remained with Smash Mouth until his retirement in 2021.

January 9, 1967: Steve Harwell's Birth

On January 9, 1967, Steven Scott Harwell, an American musician who would later become renowned as the lead vocalist of Smash Mouth, was born.

1992: Shift in Musical Direction

In 1992, influenced by Dr. Dre's album "The Chronic", Steve Harwell shifted his musical focus from rapping to pursuing a different sound.

1994: Formation of Smash Mouth

In 1994, Steve Harwell co-founded the rock band Smash Mouth, marking a significant turning point in his music career.

1997: Release of "Walkin' on the Sun"

Smash Mouth experienced their initial wave of success with the release of their hit song "Walkin' on the Sun" in 1997.

1999: Release of "All Star"

Smash Mouth's song "All Star," released in 1999, became a top 10 hit in the United States, further solidifying the band's popularity.

July 2001: Death of Son, Presley

Tragedy struck Steve Harwell's life in July 2001 when his six-month-old son, Presley, died from acute lymphocytic leukemia.

2001: "All Star" Featured in Shrek

"All Star"'s popularity resurged in 2001 when it was featured in the animated film Shrek, introducing the song to a new generation.

2001: Cameo in "Rat Race"

Steve Harwell made a cameo appearance in the 2001 comedy film "Rat Race."

2006: Appearance on "The Surreal Life"

In 2006, Steve Harwell became a cast member on the sixth season of the VH1 reality show "The Surreal Life," showcasing his personality beyond music.

2013: Diagnosis with Cardiomyopathy and Wernicke Encephalopathy

In 2013, Steve Harwell received diagnoses of cardiomyopathy and Wernicke encephalopathy, health conditions that would significantly impact his life and career.

2013: Music Contribution to "Pororo, The Racing Adventure"

Steve Harwell lent his musical talents to the 2013 South Korean-Chinese animated film "Pororo, The Racing Adventure," performing two songs for the soundtrack.

August 27, 2016: Collapse On Stage

On August 27, 2016, during a concert in Urbana, Illinois, Steve Harwell collapsed on stage due to health issues and was rushed to the hospital.

2017: Hospitalization for Cardiomyopathy

In 2017, Steve Harwell was hospitalized due to complications from cardiomyopathy, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled performance.

August 2020: Controversial Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Performance

In August 2020, Steve Harwell and Smash Mouth headlined the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, where Harwell made controversial remarks and the event was later identified as a COVID-19 superspreading event.

October 2021: Retirement Announcement After Bethel Woods Performance

Following a controversial performance at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in October 2021, where Harwell exhibited troubling behavior, he announced his retirement from Smash Mouth, citing health reasons.