Smash Mouth headlines Sturgis Motorcycle Rally amid pandemic

Smash Mouth’s lead vocalist Steve Harwell had a major meltdown when pieces of bread were thrown at him during the finale for Taste of Fort Collins in Colorado. Luckily, his entire outburst was caught on camera.

Smash Mouth’s concert in Sturgis, South Dakota was not a smash hit. 

The rock band faced backlash after performing for thousands of bikers at the jam-packed Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Sunday as coronavirus cases continue to surge in the U.S.

“We’re all here together tonight,” frontman Steve Harwell said while headlining the Buffalo Chip concert series. “(Screw) that COVID (expletive).” 

Social media footage from South Dakota news station KOTATV showed the largely mask-less crowd cheering on Harwell’s anti-coronavirus remark as they gathered around the stage ignoring the CDC’s social distancing guidelines.

USA TODAY reached out to Smash Mouth for comment.

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More than 250,000 people are expected to attend the 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, making it one of the largest events to take place since the pandemic upended the entertainment industry in March. The event, which attracted about half a million attendees in previous years, has developed a reputation as an anything-goes festival. 

Bikers that flocked to the small South Dakota town didn’t face quarantining requirements even if they came from a coronavirus hot spot. And masks? They’re encouraged – not required.

“Signs will be posted at all entry points and gathering areas reminding guests to remain socially distant, encouraging the use of face coverings and explaining recommendations from the CDC to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” reads the event website. 

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Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth performs during the Under The Sun Tour at The Greek Theatre on August 12, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.

 (Photo: Tommaso Boddi, WireImage)

Smash Mouth’s decision to headline the festival was labeled “irresponsible” by some fans. 

“Totally irresponsible how they contributed to chaos and guess who pays for it. all. of. us,” tweeted @Orange_Geee.

User @KevinLyman added, “This is one more reason we will not see shows in the near future, or any future if it keeps happening. Sets the whole business back every time it does. Every time this happens it messes it up for those who want to do it right.”

Others Twitter users referenced the group’s 1999 hit “All Star” in their criticism.

“Well smash mouth did say ‘Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me I ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed,'” @RealPattyWap wrote. “The tweet writes itself.” 

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Smash Mouth is the latest musical group to come under fire for performing at a packed live show, following The Chainsmokers and country music star Chase Rice.

As of Monday, there are over 5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., according the USA TODAY’s coronavirus map. At least 163,000 in the U.S. have died.

Contributing: Joel Shannon, USA TODAY

More: Why Chase Rice’s packed country concert roiled the industry and left fellow stars fuming

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