The Farr Side: Smash Mouth singer will be dearly missed

Labor Day weekend was kind of a buzz kill for music lovers like me. Three well-known and well-loved artists passed away over the long holiday weekend.

First, was the beloved Jimmy Buffett. Then, came the news that Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell had died. And, before the weekend was over, singer Gary Wright had passed away. I guess it’s true what they say — death does come in threes.

My last column was devoted to the man himself, Jimmy Buffett. Days after his death, memorials and tributes were still flooding social media outlets, news networks and radio airwaves. It’s always so touching to hear the tributes and comments from his peers.

Buffett was just such a likable guy. His music was loved by many and often provided the setting for parties and gatherings.

Like Buffett, Harwell was also beloved. The Smash Mouth lead singer was responsible for a slew of hits that ultimately became party anthems. Harwell passed away from liver failure at his home in Idaho. He was just 56.

Smash Mouth burst onto the music scene during the mid-'90s when music was experiencing an identity crisis. Grunge was over and hip-hop was idling. Pop was becoming king and alternative was doing its best not to become mainstream. So the setting was perfect for a band like Smash Mouth. The music was upbeat, fun and party-friendly.

I can remember the first time I heard “Walkin’ On The Sun.” The opening guitar riff drew me in, but when Harwell started singing I was hooked. It was this crazy '60s-fused, grunge pop sound that was totally unlike anything else on the radio. I loved it!

The album. “Fush Yu Mng,” was an instant classic. “Walkin’ On The Sun” was a huge hit for the band. “Beer Goggles,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends” and “Pet Names” were so good.

It was their sophomore album, “Astro Lounge,” that made them big stars. I didn’t know anyone who didn’t love this record. It was chock full of hits including such party tracks as “Diggin’ Your Scene,” “Then The Morning Comes,” “Come On, Come On,” “Can’t Get Enough Of You Baby” and one of music’s most catchiest songs ever “All Star.”

Put “All Star” on and watch what happens. The moment the song starts you’ll have everyone singing along with Harwell — “… Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me, I ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed/She was looking kind of dumb with her finger and her thumb in the shape of an ‘L’ on her forehead …”

I so loved this band. Truth be told, the only reason I went to see NSYNC in concert was because Smash Mouth was the opening act. They didn’t disappoint either. As much as this audience screamed for Justin Timberlake and the guys of NSYNC when they took the stage, Smash Mouth had already earned the audience’s love with their incredibly fun mix of music and Harwell’s incredible stage presence.

My friend Kristie and I had gone vinyl hunting on Sunday of Labor Day Weekend.

We had talked on the way to a record shop about Buffett. This was before we had learned about Harwell’s passing, too. But, while shopping and sifting through countless records I had come across an impeccable copy of Gary Wright’s “The Dream Weaver.” I was just a little kid when this man was in his heyday, but even back then I knew a good song when I heard one. I snatched up this record because who doesn’t love the song “Dream Weaver”? Wright’s vocals were so amazing on this track. I always thought the song was well before its time. I may have been right, too, because it found its way into the “Wayne’s World” movie nearly 20 years after its release.

“The Dream Weaver” was a major success for Wright. I was thrilled to see it also contains the songs “Love Is Alive,” “Feel For Me,” “Power Of Love” and “Made To Love You.”

How sad it was to see that Wright’s passing was making news Labor Day evening. The singer was 80 years old.

All of these men will live on in the hearts of all who were moved by their music through the years. Thank you for bringing joy to my life!

— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: The Farr Side: Smash Mouth singer will be dearly missed