KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — Chances are, if you grew up in the ‘90s or earlier, you can’t read the line, “All that glitters is gold, only shooting stars break the mould” without humming the tune that goes along with it.
Fast forward 25 years later, and despite almost a complete band lineup change, Smash Mouth’s hit “All Star” still hits hard.
Famous for their beachy, high-energy alternative pop, and most notably for contributing to the soundtrack of the animated classic Shrek, the band has been keeping busy.
After welcoming new frontman Zach Goode, they have been back in action.
The band went through a period of uncertainty after parting ways with former lead singer Steve Harwell in 2021, who died from acute liver failure last year.
With Goode leading the charge, Smash Mouth has been regaining their momentum, performing at Malaysia’s After Race Fest 2024 at the Helipad, Petronas Sepang International Circuit on November 3.
In a chat with Malaysian media, Goode expressed excitement about his experience with the band over the last three years:
“People all around the world seem to respond well to our shows over the past three summers — and they like what we’re doing,” he said.
“The chemistry between us is very good, we are all getting along very well, everyone’s professional, and they’re good with their instruments.
“It’s been great. It feels like a new birth for the band.”
Bassist Paul De Lisle, the only remaining original member, added that the band has not only been busy on tour but in the studio as well.
“We’ve recorded around 16 tracks since Goode joined, and we’re working on a new album,” he said.
“We put out a Christmas album last year [Missile Toes], and a few singles, but we have kind of saved what we have been doing this year for a full album.”
What the Shrek?
While Smash Mouth has been a staple since their debut album Fush Yu Mang in 1997, their 1999 album Astro Lounge was the real game-changer.
The album, certified triple platinum, sold over three million copies in the United States, with “All Star” at the heart of their success.
The song was also the signature track of Shrek, which has since kept the band in the public eye.
Goode acknowledged the song’s continued significance for the band, noting how its popularity still impacts them.
De Lisle added that Shrek has introduced the band to new generations of listeners.
“It puts us in a situation where we are now a forever band,” De Lisle said.
“Kids today are being reintroduced to our music through the success of that film, and yeah, it’s great.”
In addition to “All Star,” Smash Mouth’s cover of The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” for the Shrek sequel also remains a fan favourite.
Not too Far, Far Away... @Shrek 5 is coming to theaters on July 1, 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. pic.twitter.com/3j6ctXpPGu
— DreamWorks Animation (@Dreamworks) July 9, 2024
Earlier this year, DreamWorks Animation announced Shrek 5 will hit theatres in 2026, with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz reprising their iconic roles.
When asked about Smash Mouth’s potential involvement in the upcoming film, Goode teased, “We can’t comment on that. I think it’s a secret.”
Aside from Smash Mouth, After Race Fest 2024 also featured a star-studded lineup, including Indonesian rock band Nidji, Malaysian rapper Joe Flizzow, and Malaysian rock legend Ella.
The event, held on the final day of the Malaysian MotoGP in Sepang, was set to feature US rapper Macklemore as the headliner, but he cancelled his performance just a day before the show. Organisers HI Five Entertainment informed concertgoers of the last-minute change.
