Shifty Shellshock (1974–2024), Crazy Town lead singer

Seth Binzer, better known as Shifty Shellshock, was the lead singer for the rap-rock band Crazy Town, known for their hit, “Butterfly.” 

• Died: June 24, 2024 (Who else died on June 24?) 
• Details of death: Died of an accidental overdose at his California home at the age of 49. 
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Shifty Shellshock’s legacy 

Binzer first formed a band in the mid-1990s with Bret “Epic” Mazur, then going by the name the Brimstone Sluggers. Later becoming Crazy Town, they added new members, including Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein (1973–2009), and released their debut album, “The Gift of Game,” in 1999. It yielded their greatest success, the song “Butterfly.” Released in 2000, it came to its height of popularity in 2001, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. The rap-rock band toured in support of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, whose “Pretty Little Ditty” was sampled in “Butterfly.” 

Crazy Town’s second album, “Darkhorse,” didn’t perform as well, and the band broke up in its wake. Binzer released solo work, plus sang on Paul Oakenfold’s 2002 single “Starry Eyed Surprise.” His outfit later reformed, releasing a third album and touring for years. When Mazur left the group in 2017, Binzer continued, renaming the band Crazy Town X. 

Binzer was open about his struggles with addiction. He appeared in the debut season of “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” returning for the second season after relapsing. He worked with Dr. Drew Pinsky again in two seasons of “Sober House” while continuing to have difficulty overcoming substance abuse. 

On Crazy Town’s lyrics 

“We’re just having a good time. We’re not like political or anything. I can be very sarcastic just like a little punk, we talk a lot of trash. We have some points, like ‘learn from your mistakes,’ ‘check yourself,’ you know, ‘don’t get taken advantage of.’ Real simple things, nothing too overwhelming.” —from a 2000 interview for Ink 19 

Tributes to Shifty Shellshock 

Full obituary: Deadline 

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