Why Does Smash Mouth Hate Third Eye Blind? The Story Behind the ’90s Rock Feud That Still Lives On

Washington Post ^ | June 3, 2014 | Emily Yahr

[nickcarraway]

Why does Smash Mouth hate Third Eye Blind so much? This is an actual question, and no, you have not been transported to 1997, the year in which Smash Mouth’s “Walkin’ on the Sun” and Third Eye Blind’s “Semi-Charmed Life” were absolutely inescapable on alt-rock radio. Many people are wondering what’s the deal with this animosity, especially after what happened at BottleRock Festival in Napa Valley this weekend.

In case you missed it, both bands performed nearly simultaneous sets at the California music festival on Saturday (Smash Mouth on the side stage, Third Eye Blind on the main stage). And Smash Mouth lead singer Steve Harwell took the opportunity to do what he frequently does: Skewer his nemesis, Stephan Jenkins, the lead singer of Third Eye Blind. There was lots of name calling, much of which we can’t republish, but you can get the gist here. Fans started tweeting about it:

SNIP

Another theory: Before we hung up with Hayes, he pointed out the geographical aspect that could have led to the rivalry. “Steve always talks [expletive] about Stephan Jenkins. They’re both Bay Area guys,” Hayes said; Smash Mouth is from San Jose, while Third Eye Blind hails from San Francisco. “So it’s easy to poke at him.”

[2ndDivisionVet]

My late Aunt babysat most of the members of Slipknot. The video “Duality” was filmed down the street from her house.

[Fester Chugabrew]

Now boys, why can’t we all just get long?

[nickcarraway]

SJ vs. SF

[Ransomed]

Truly a clash of titans.

Freegards

[Bubba Ho-Tep]

I have found a Third Way.

I hate them both.

[RegulatorCountry]

Isn’t this sort of like two middle-aged fat guys still bent out of shape about a rough tackle in junior high? Why does anybody still care? It must’ve been the very pinnacle of their existence.

[dmz]

The first sentence of the 2nd paragraph excerpted tells you everything you need to know.

Smash mouth is a bigger set of has beens than is 3rd eye blind.

[Rodamala]

I recall WXPN out of Philly would play that stupid Smashmouth in the constant rotation before anyone else heard of Smashmouth on the east coast. I HATED THAT SONG.