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The Daily Insight

Is All Star a one-hit wonder?

Author

Olivia Hensley

Updated on February 19, 2026

20 years ago, Smash Mouth went into the studio to prove they weren't a one hit wonder, and the song they recorded has been playing straight since. This is the story of “All Star,” from the band that made it.

Why did Smash Mouth write All Star?

“I set out to write an anthem for them”

“Smash Mouth was sort of in between pop and punk at that time,” Camp told Rolling Stone in a recent interview. “These were kids that weren't really wearing a uniform in any certain way. They weren't mods, they weren't punks, they weren't jocks, they weren't sport-os.

Was All Star written for Shrek?

Many people can't listen to “All Star” without thinking of Shrek. In fact, the song and the movie are so closely associated with each other, some people falsely believe “All Star” was written for Shrek. Interestingly, one of the writers of the song didn't want “Smash Mouth” to be in the film at all.

Why did All Star become a meme?

Specifically, “All Star” became a go-to track in a variety of joke videos and memes. According to Know Your Meme, YouTubers first started repurposing the song as early as 2009 with Richalvarez's “Mario You're A Plumber” parody, which sits at over 1.5 million views.

Why is the song All Star so popular?

The internet generally agrees that the first “All Star” parody was “Mario, You're a Plumber” in 2009, and that it hit a new level of popularity after internet wunderkind Neil Cicirega used the song as the centerpiece for his album Mouth Sounds.

Top 65 One Hit Wonders of All Time

Why is All Star popular?

"All Star" has been commonly played at sporting events; it became so popular among sports fans that they were led to play it at Major League Baseball's 1999 Home Run Derby, and have performed it at dozens of sporting events since. The second verse has been used in climate change protests.

What did Smash Mouth do?

The pop-rock band Smash Mouth performed a volatile live show in upstate New York over the weekend, during which singer Steve Harwell slurred his words, threatened the audience and appeared to give a Nazi salute to the crowd.

Is All Star about global warming?

Smash Mouth's “All Star” was mentioned repeatedly and has the distinction of actually being about climate change. (The others are about the forced removal of Australian Aboriginal people, the 9/11 attacks and hooking up at the club.)

What is Smash Mouth most famous song?

# 1 – Walkin' on the Sun

In the number one spot on our Smash Mouth songs list is the band's great original song entitled “Walkin' on the Sun.” The song was written by Smash Mouth guitarist and songwriter Greg Camp.

Is Guy Fieri Steve Harwell?

Despite their well-documented friendship, some people still think that Fieri and Harwell are the same person, a myth that the Smash Mouth singer has tried to dispel in the past.

What is wrong with Smash Mouth singer?

According to TMZ, Harwell was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy eight years ago, which led to other medical setbacks like heart failure and Wernicke's encephalopathy, which impacts his motor functions, including speech and memory, and presumably contributed to his disoriented performance at the concert, which took place ...

Is Violent Jay the lead singer of Smash Mouth?

The truth: that Guy Fieri, Smash Mouth frontman Steve Harwell, and Insane Clown Posse's Violent J are all the same person.

Did Smash Mouth get Cancelled?

Despite Harwell's retirement, Smash Mouth will not be breaking up and will continue to perform as they search for a replacement.

Why did the lead singer of Smash Mouth leave?

Singer cites 'physical and mental health issues'

Representatives for Smash Mouth said that Harwell, 54, has left the band to focus on what they described as longstanding medical issues.

What is wrong with Steve Harwell?

He was diagnosed eight years ago with cardiomyopathy and has suffered medical setbacks including heart failure and acute Wernicke's encephalopathy, which impacts motor functions such as his speech and memory. Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell has announced he's retiring.

Who let 5he dogs out?

"Who Let the Dogs Out" is a song - claimed by one of its originators to be a feminist song against catcalling - performed by Bahamian junkanoo band Baha Men. Originally released by Anslem Douglas (titled "Doggie"), it was covered by producer Jonathan King who sang it under the name Fat Jakk and his Pack of Pets.

What is the tone of All Star?

Throughout the poem the speaker uses an uplifting and encouraging tone that encourages the listener to take chances in life. This is reinforced by the line “only shooting stars break the mold.” This is a metaphor that encourages people to take chances because only those who do will achieve something great.