How the story of Smash Mouth is more triumphant than the story of Jesus Christ

SMASH MOUTH.

On a tepid night in 1996, a group of men from San Jose, CA found themselves at The Roxy nightclub on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip, on the brink of a mental breakdown in their green room. It was the biggest night of their career, and it was an absolute shitstorm.

Frontman vocalist Steve Harwell had unconventional beginnings. He spent the early 90s in San Jose fronting a rap group called F.O.S. (Freedom of Speech). They had only released one song, “Big Black Boots”, which gained little traction despite the potential — reminiscent of a long lost Beastie Boys demo. One person did see hopeful potential in Harwell, his long time friend Kevin Coleman, who swiftly assumed the title of Harwell’s manager. Coleman had decided after some time that what Harwell really needed was a backing band. Not just any band — a ska band.

He quickly assembled two other local musicians, guitarist Greg Camp and bassist Paul De Lisle — both frequently seen performing at local bars. Coleman sat in on drums, and the four…