The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the death of Seth Binzer, known by his stage name Shifty Shellshock, at the age of 49. Binzer, the lead vocalist of the rap-rock band Crazy Town, died on June 24, 2024 at his Los Angeles, California home.
Binzer’s death was due to an accidental drug overdose, reported by the band’s manager, Howie Hubberman.
Hubberman revealed to People magazine that despite Crazy Town’s rapid ascension to fame with their hit “Butterfly,” Binzer was unable to effectively manage his substance abuse problems. He noted that despite collective attempts to help, they were unable to prevent this tragedy.
“The cause of death was a combination of prescription drugs and street purchased drugs,” stated 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 partnered with Bret “Epic” Mazur to form Crazy Town. The band was officially established in 1995 and gained international recognition with their hit “Butterfly” from their first album, “The Gift of Game,” which was released in 1999. By 2001, the song had risen to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a defining track of the early 2000s.
The success of “Butterfly” was significant for merging catchy rock melodies with hip-hop beats, earning it regular airtime on both rock and pop radio stations. However, Crazy Town struggled to replicate the success of their debut album. Their second album, “Darkhorse,” released in 2002, did not achieve the commercial success of their debut, leading to the band’s initial breakup.
Binzer’s lifelong struggle with substance abuse was publicly chronicled on reality television shows like “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and “Sober House.” His addiction battle significantly affected both his career path and personal relationships.
In 2012, Binzer’s issues with substance abuse led to him falling into a coma, from which he recovered and continued his music career. Over the years, he was arrested multiple times for various infractions, including drug possession and driving under the influence. In 2023, Binzer was involved in a public disagreement with Crazy Town guitarist Bobby Reeves, indicating ongoing internal tensions within the band.
Binzer is the third member of Crazy Town to die prematurely. Guitarist Rust Epique died in 2004 at the age of 36 from an apparent heart attack, and DJ AM, also 36, died from a drug overdose in 2009.
Despite his personal struggles, Binzer remained actively involved in the music industry. Crazy Town reassembled in 2007 and released their third album, “The Brimstone Sluggers,” in 2015. Binzer also embarked on solo projects and collaborations, including a successful single with DJ Paul Oakenfold titled “Starry Eyed Surprise,” which became a hit in the UK.
Many of Binzer’s fans and friends have shared their condolences on social media. An Instagram user wrote, “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 user expressed, “Speechless… Rest in Peace, my Childhood Hero. Gonna miss you.”
The legacy of Shifty Shellshock serves as a testament to the highs and lows of rock stardom. His music brought joy to many, even as he battled with personal issues that resonated with his fans.
Binzer is survived by his three sons, Halo, Gage, and Phoenix.