Seth Binzer, the lead vocalist of the rap-rock band Crazy Town, popularly known by his stage name Shifty Shellshock, has died at 49. His death was confirmed on June 24, 2024, by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. He was found deceased in his Los Angeles, California home.
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 started his musical career in the early 1990s when he partnered with Bret “Epic” Mazur to create Crazy Town in 1995. The band achieved international recognition with their hit single “Butterfly” from their first album, “The Gift of Game”, which was published in 1999. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2001, becoming a defining song of the early 2000s.
The success of “Butterfly,” a unique mix of catchy rock melodies and hip-hop rhythms, made it a staple on both rock and pop radio stations. However, Crazy Town found it difficult to duplicate the success of their debut. Their second album, “Darkhorse,” released in 2002, didn’t achieve comparable commercial success, leading to the band’s initial dissolution.
Binzer’s personal life was marked by a long struggle with substance abuse, which was frequently documented on reality TV shows such as “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and “Sober House.” His addiction problems significantly affected both his career and personal relationships.
Binzer fell into a coma in 2012 due to his substance abuse problems, but eventually recovered and persisted in making music. Over the years, he was arrested on numerous occasions for various charges, including drug possession and DUI. In the year preceding his death, Binzer was involved in a public dispute with Crazy Town guitarist Bobby Reeves, further illustrating the ongoing internal issues within the band.
Despite these personal difficulties, Binzer remained engaged 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, “Starry Eyed Surprise,” which became a hit in the UK.
Tributes to Binzer have flooded social media from fans and friends. One fan posted 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. 💔”
The legacy of Shifty Shellshock is a representation of the peaks and troughs of rock stardom. His music brought happiness to millions, even as he grappled with personal issues that resonated with many.
Binzer is survived by his three sons, Halo, Gage, and Phoenix.
