Seth Binzer, known to fans as Shifty Shellshock, the frontman of the rap-rock band Crazy Town, has passed away at the age of 49. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his death on June 24, 2024, at his home in Los Angeles, California.
Binzer passed away due to an unintentional drug overdose, according to the band’s manager, Howie Hubberman.
Hubberman shared with People magazine that Seth Binzer, despite the band’s quick rise to fame with their hit song “Butterfly,” was unable to effectively address his substance abuse issues. He noted that despite collective efforts to help, they were ultimately unsuccessful in preventing this tragedy.
“The cause of death was a combination of prescription drugs and street purchased drugs,” said Hubberman. “Shifty was a friend and really wanted to get himself fixed — unfortunately no one had the exact tools to do this, myself included.”
Binzer’s career began in the early 1990s when he teamed up with Bret “Epic” Mazur to form Crazy Town, which was officially established in 1995. The band gained international fame with the hit single “Butterfly” from their debut album, The Gift of Game, released in 1999. The song reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2001, becoming an anthem of the early 2000s.
“Butterfly” wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural moment, blending catchy rock hooks with hip-hop beats, making it a favorite on rock and pop radio stations. Despite this success, Crazy Town struggled to replicate the triumph of their debut. Their second album, “Darkhorse,” released in 2002, did not achieve the same commercial success, leading to the band’s initial breakup.
Throughout his life, Binzer battled with substance abuse, which was well-documented on reality TV shows like “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and “Sober House.” His struggles with addiction were a recurring theme in his life, impacting both his career and personal relationships.
In 2012, Binzer fell into a coma due to his substance abuse issues, but he recovered and continued to make music. He was arrested multiple times over the years for various offenses, including drug possession and DUI. Just last year, Binzer was involved in a public altercation with Crazy Town guitarist Bobby Reeves, highlighting the ongoing tensions and challenges within the band.
Despite these personal challenges, Binzer remained active in the music scene. Crazy Town reformed in 2007 and released their third album, “The Brimstone Sluggers,” in 2015. Binzer also worked on solo projects and collaborations, including a notable single with DJ Paul Oakenfold, “Starry Eyed Surprise,” which was a hit in the UK.
Fans and friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to Binzer. One fan wrote on Instagram, “RIP old friend… remember you best as a kid in a skateboard with the entire world in front of you… sending love to your family ❤️👏.” Another shared, “Speechless… Rest in Peace, my Childhood Hero. Gonna miss you. 💔”
Shifty Shellshock’s legacy is a testament to the highs and lows of rock stardom. His music brought joy to millions, even as he faced personal battles that many could relate to.
Binzer is survived by his three sons, Halo, Gage, and Phoenix.
