The Grammys kept up their annual tradition of paying tribute to musicians we've lost over the past year, honoring Tina Turner, Jimmy Buffett, Sinéad O'Connor and more at the 2024 ceremony. But one name was left out of this year's segment of the “ In Memoriam: Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell, who died aged 56 in September and was nominated with his band at the 2000 Grammys for 'All Star'.
When asked about the omission on Monday (February 5), Smash Mouth manager Robert Hayes said Advertising sign: “Does anyone watch the Grammys anymore? This show hasn't been good in 20 years. And they never recognized Steve when he was alive, so why would we think they would honor him when he died? Rude and disrespectful.”
Fans of the rock singer were quick to note on social media that Harwell's name and face never appeared on air during the montage in the middle of Sunday night's awards ceremony. “Really #Grammy? Did you forget to include Steve Harwell from Smash Mouth during the In Memoriam segment?' a person posted on X shortly after. “He was nominated for a Grammy!”
“Unfortunately they forgot our friend Steve Harwell of @smashmouth,” another fan wrote, while a third person posted, “Boycotting the Grammys until they honor Steve Harwell.”
Advertising sign The Recording Academy has been contacted for comment.
Harwell and his band won the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “All Star”. the award went to Santana with The Project G&B for “Maria Maria.”
The frontman announced his departure from Smash Mouth in 2021, writing in a statement: “Ever since I was a kid, I've dreamed of being a rock star performing in front of sold-out arenas and I've been so lucky to live that dream. To my band mates, it's been an honor to perform with you all these years. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather go on this wild ride with.”
On September 4, 2023, Harwell died at his home in Boise, Idaho, after being in hospice care. Before his death, he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy – a disease of the heart muscle that can make it difficult for the heart to deliver blood to the body – and suffered a number of health problems as a result.
“Steve Harwell was a true American original,” Hayes wrote in a statement after the musician's death. “A larger-than-life character shot up into the sky like a Roman candle. Steve should be remembered for his unwavering focus and passionate determination to reach the heights of pop stardom.”
See how fans reacted to Harwell skipping 'In Memoriam' at the 2024 Grammys below.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/steve-harwell-grammys-in-memoriam-snub-smash-mouth-manager-1235599524/
