Smash Mouth’s Kim Kardashian bikini post criticised after Steve Harwell’s death

Just two days after the death of Smash Mouth’s lead singer, the band has shared a bizarre Kim Kardashian post.

Smash Mouth has taken to social media with a bizarre post after its founder and former lead singer Steve Harwell died earlier this week.

Harwell’s death aged 56 was confirmed in a statement on Monday, and followed earlier reports he had been in ill health.

The US rock band he founded in 1994 took to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday with a post unrelated to Harwell, which has caused controversy among fans.

Smash Mouth’s official page re-shared bikini photos posted by Kim Kardashian, which the reality star had captioned, “All that glitters is gold.”

In its caption, Smash Mouth wrote, “Only shooting stars” – referencing the lyrics to their biggest hit, All Star, which was popularised in the 2001 movie Shrek.

“All that glitters is gold, only shooting stars break the mold,” are lyrics to the band’s hit song, All Star.

The band did post a lengthy tribute to Harwell after news of his death hit headlines, but their decision to swiftly follow it up with a “Kardashian thirst trap” has sparked backlash on social media.

However, a top comment read, “People saying ‘too soon’ really didn’t know steve and it shows lol.” Tellingly, the group responded to the comment, writing, “Exactly.”

Harwell was no longer a member of Smash Mouth at the time of his death, having stepped down from the band in October 2021.

Smash Mouth formed in 1994.

Steve Harwell was the band’s lead singer until 2021.

Former Ghoulspoon vocalist Zach Goode was recruited as the lead singer, with bassist Paul De Lisle the only original member of the band remaining. Michael Klooster joined the band on the keyboard in 1997, while Randy Cooke joined as drummer in 2010, and finally, Sean Hurwitz became the guitarist in 2011.

Smash Mouth’s manager Robert Hayes announced the passing of Harwell – who was at the helm of the US group when it churned out hits including Can’t Get Enough of You Baby, Walkin’ on the Sun and a cover of the Monkees’ I’m a Believer.

He said the rocker “passed peacefully and comfortably” at home in Boise, Idaho “surrounded by friends and family”.

A cause of death was not provided.