Anyone who was alive during the 90s and owned a radio, TV, or just interacted with the general population should be familiar with the band that is Smash Mouth. With such hits as “All Star,” “Walking On The Sun,” and their infamous cover of the Monkees’ song “I’m a Believer,” they’re a band that we won’t soon forget. They’re going on tour this summer following their 20th anniversary in 2014, with support from other seasoned bands Toad The Wet Sprocket and Tonic, and will be stopping by the Great Lawn at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on Thursday, July 23!
We got to ask founder and lead vocalist Steve Harwell some questions about the band and what we can expect to see from them in the future! Read on below and don’t miss what is sure to be an epic night of music at the Gardens on July 23rd.
What’s it like being pop culture icons of the 90s?
It’s awesome because it will be part of our legacy. To be associated with an era of such great music is a damn honor. We also got to be a part of Interscope Records first major successes. Jimmy Iovine and Beats spawned from that success.
We’re big fans of SNL around here – what was your initial thought about the sketch they did about you guys with Jennifer Lopez in 2010?
We are huuuge SNL fans and funny enough we had no idea that skit was happening and our Bass Player Paul was watching when it came on and he totally freaked out. Same reaction when we heard our song on the radio the first time. SNL is the only late night show we haven’t performed on but we’re still keeping the faith! If they asked us to do that skit we would have been on the first plane to NYC.
What’s the strangest thing a fan has ever come up to you and asked you to do?
I can’t mention the strangest, lets jump to 3rd strangest. Can’t mention that either. The thing that is always funny to me is when people want us to go have dinner at their houses and sleep there too. It’s weird because it’s sweet but just strange.
Has Justin Bieber ever said anything to you guys about your song, “Justin Bieber?”
Not that we know of but we have heard from his fans. Funny thing is when we wrote that song he was on top of the world and untouchable. The song is not about TheBiebs, it’s about the pop world as a whole. Being amazingly popular today but forgotten tomorrow. It happens to everybody in this biz no matter who you are. We actually love his career and his lack of fear, his surge was amazing.
What sort of music are you listening to these days?
We all have different personal palates. I’m a rocker at heart but have always been a big Country fan. Paul just listens to his solo stuff over and over.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to anyone looking to “make it” in the music business?
You have to be a SuperHuman because you have to dedicate 100% of yourself to the band but still have enough of yourself left to go to school or work and kick ass there too. You also have to maintain relationships and kiss your Mom everyday. It can take 10 years to create a income stream good enough to make this your only job and the odds are not in your favor.
What’s next for Smash Mouth?
More of the same and we have really learned to embrace social media. When we started there wasn’t even the internet much less Twitter. We have our first live album coming out soon on Sony and we will start work on a new album as soon as this tour is over.
What can we expect to see from your show at Atlanta Botanical Garden?
Our set right now is amazing, I can say we are performing better than ever. We have all of our hits in there sprinkled with some album cuts and a couple surprise covers. It’s not a sit down set that’s for sure!
Tickets are $51.50 to the public, and $49.50 for Garden members. Show is at 7:30pm.
