Smash Mouth to headline Delaware block party this summer. Here's what to know
Even if you haven't seen the DreamWorks classic "Shrek," you’ve heard two of the film's huge anthems by Smash Mouth: "All Star" and "I'm a Believer."
The multiplatinum rock band will bring nostalgic vibes when they headline the 10th anniversary of Smyrna at Night concert on Saturday, June 15.
Smyrna at Night is branded as Kent County's largest free outdoor concert. This year's event will be spread across three stages with 18 bands. The full lineup will be announced soon, according to the concert's event page on Facebook.
Who is Smash Mouth?
With hits like "Walkin' on the Sun," "I’m a Believer" and "All Star," Smash Mouth was a force on pop radio in the late '90s and early 2000s.
Smash Mouth rose to fame during the MTV era and appealed to fans because of their quirky style, catchy tunes, and former lead singer Steve Harwell's raspy delivery.
The band's debut studio album, "Fush Yu Mang," has sold over 2 million copies. Smash Mouth raised the bar with their second album "Astro Lounge," released in 1999, selling over 3 million units. The project featured the cult classic "All Star."
’Shrek’ songs turned Smash Mouth into a meme
In 2001, Smash Mouth put their own spin on the Neil Diamond/Monkees tune “I’m a Believer,” earning the band another Top 25 hit.
That cover — and “All Star” — helped popularize the soundtrack for the 2001 film “Shrek,” and the tune has become a huge part of the band's legacy today. Smash Mouth’s pop stardom fame eventually would see them transformed into several memes.
Former Smash Mouth singer dies
In October 2021, Harwell announced his retirement from Smash Mouth due to cardiomyopathy, a heart disease. New vocalist Zach Goode joined the band a year later.
"I've tried so hard to power through my physical and mental health issues and to play in front of you one last time, but I just wasn't able to," Harwell said in a news release.
"Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being a rock star, performing in front of sold-out arenas, and have been so fortunate to live out that dream," Harwell continued. "I cannot wait to see what Smash Mouth accomplishes next and am looking forward to counting myself as one of the band's newest fans."
Harwell died on Sept. 4, 2023. He was 56.
But he still lives on through Smash Mouth's biggest hits. His distinctive voice is the one people hear whenever "All Star" or "Believer" are playing on Spotify or elsewhere.
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Smyrna at Night concert details
Smyrna at Night will be held downtown from noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15. Admission is free. For more info, visit facebook.com/smyrnaatnight.
USA Today reporters Naledi Ushe and Melissa Ruggieri contributed to this report.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 'Shrek' band Smash Mouth to headline Delaware concert in Smyrna
