Steve Harwell, the former Smash Mouth lead singer, died at the age of 56. On Monday, September 4, Harwell’s manager, Robert Hayes, confirmed his passing to a number of websites, including Rolling Stone, saying that Harwell passed away “peacefully and comfortably” while with his family and friends.

“Steve Harwell was an original American. “A larger-than-life character who shot up into the sky like a Roman candle,” Hayes said to Variety in a separate statement. “Steve will be remembered for his unwavering focus and fervent determination to reach the pinnacle of pop stardom. And the fact that he accomplished this near-impossible feat despite having very little musical expertise adds to his achievements. His sole weapons were his undeniable charm and charisma, his unbridled ambition, and his king-sized cajones. Steve lived his life at full throttle, “brightly burning across the universe before dying.”

Harwell co-founded the rock band Smash Mouth in 1994 with drummer Kevin Coleman, guitarist Greg Camp, and bassist Paul De Lisle, and the band went on to have a run of singles including “All Star,” “Walkin’ on the Sun,” and “I’m a Believer.”

Harwell left the band in 2021 after suffering from physical and mental health concerns. Manager Hayes stated Harwell was getting hospice care and was in the latter phases of life on Sept. 3, 2023, only one day before his death.

The news of Harwell’s death sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and celebrities alike, with many paying tribute on social media, including the official Smash Mouth Twitter account, which said in a statement: “Rest in peace knowing you aimed for the stars and magically hit your target. “Take it easy.”