Majority of us know Smash Mouth by their biggest hit “All Star” which released back in 1999. Yet some may wonder what ever happened to Smash Mouth? And are they still a band today? The answer is yes the San Jose natives are still a band to this day. But let’s go back to the beginning when Smash Mouth first came onto the pop rock music scene. The band formed in 1994 when lead singer Steve Harwell chose to switch from performing in a rap group called F.O.S., to creating a rock band with the help of his manager Kevin Coleman who played drums, and who introduced him to guitarist Greg Camp and bassist Paul De Lisle. The band name originated from the football term Smashmouth, they started as a Ska Punk band. Their demo “Nervous in the Alley” brought them attention when first being played on San Jose, California radio station KOME. Interscope Records signed the band shortly after the airplay, and their debut album Fush Yu Mang released in 1997. After signing with Interscope Records the band decided to change their name to Smash Mouth instead of Smashmouth. Their debut album received double Platinum with its popular singles, “Walkin’ on the Sun,” The Fonz,” and their cover of “Why Can’t We Be Friends.” Smash Mouth released their second full length album Astro Lounge in 1999 and marked the band’s change from Ska music to Pop Rock music. Their rise in popularity grew with this change and the album ended up becoming the most critically acclaimed album from Smash Mouth, as it received triple Platinum certification. The East Bay Sessions was also released at this time when Michael Urbano replaced Coleman in the band. In 2001 the band released their cover of The Monkees’ song “I’m A Believer” on their self titled album. And in 2003 the band released their fouth album Get The Picture? and were dropped by Interscope Records, yet they were later picked up by Universal Records in 2005. Smash Mouth released their sixth album Old Habits after much delay but later replaced the album with Summer Girl in 2007. Through 2011-2012 the band kept switching back and forth with guitarists and drummers, and in September 2012 they left Universal Records and signed with 429 Records and released their sixth album Magic. The first major single on the album was also called “Magic,” and reached number 22 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary. Recently the band has been touring the United States with their 2013 Under the Sun Tour.
Smash Mouth Tour Dates:
8/23 – Minnesota States Fair – St. Paul, MN with Gin Blossoms & Sugar Ray
8/31 – American Music Festival – Virginia Beach, VA
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