Seth Binzer, more commonly known by his stage name Shifty Shellshock, has died at the age of 49, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. The lead singer of the rap-rock band Crazy Town, Binzer passed away on June 24, 2024, at his residence 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.”
It was in the early 1990s that Binzer’s career got its start, when he joined forces with Bret “Epic” Mazur to form Crazy Town. The band was officially launched in 1995 and achieved international recognition with the hit track “Butterfly” from their inaugural album, “The Gift of Game”, which was released in 1999. By 2001, the song had climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a hallmark of the early 2000s.
The success of “Butterfly” was notable, as it fused compelling rock melodies with hip-hop rhythms, earning it regular airplay on both rock and pop radio stations. However, Crazy Town found it difficult to duplicate the success of their first album. Their sophomore album, “Darkhorse,” released in 2002, failed to match the commercial success of their debut, leading to the band’s initial dissolution.
Throughout his life, Binzer grappled with substance abuse, a struggle that was publicly documented on reality television shows such as “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and “Sober House.” His battle with addiction had a significant impact on both his professional trajectory and personal relationships.
In 2012, Binzer’s substance abuse issues resulted in his falling into a coma, from which he recovered and resumed his musical pursuits. Over the years, he was arrested on several occasions for a range of offenses, including drug possession and driving under the influence. In 2023, Binzer was involved in a public dispute with Crazy Town guitarist Bobby Reeves, indicating the ongoing internal friction within the band.
Binzer is the third member of the band to die young. Guitarist Rust Epique died in 2004 at the age of 36 from an apparent heart attack. In 2009, DJ AM, also 36, died from a drug overdose.
Despite his personal difficulties, Binzer remained an active participant in the music industry. Crazy Town re-formed in 2007 and released their third album, “The Brimstone Sluggers,” in 2015. Binzer also ventured into solo projects and collaborations, including a successful single with DJ Paul Oakenfold titled “Starry Eyed Surprise,” which became a hit in the UK.
Many fans and friends of Binzer have expressed 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 posted, “Speechless… Rest in Peace, my Childhood Hero. Gonna miss you. 💔”
The legacy of Shifty Shellshock stands as a reflection of the peaks and valleys of rock stardom. His music brought happiness to many, even as he struggled with personal issues that resonated with his audience.
Binzer is survived by his three sons, Halo, Gage, and Phoenix.
