Seth Binzer, better known by his stage name Shifty Shellshock, has died at the age of 49. The lead singer and co-founder of the rap rock band Crazy Town passed away on Monday at a residence in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner is currently investigating the cause of death.
Binzer, along with fellow vocalist Bret “Epic” Mazur, formed Crazy Town in 1999, bringing together a lineup that included Rust Epique, Doug Miller, James Bradley Jr., Antonio Lorenzo Valli, and Adam Goldstein. The band achieved significant success with their 2000 single “Butterfly,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and propelled their debut album, “The Gift Of Game,” to sell over 1.5 million copies. However, their follow-up album in 2002, “Darkhorse,” failed to replicate this success, leading to the band’s breakup. Crazy Town later reunited and released a third album, “The Brimstone Sluggers.”
Throughout his life, Binzer faced several legal issues. In 2011, he was arrested in Los Angeles for having outstanding warrants following a domestic dispute with his girlfriend. In 2023, he was arrested for driving under the influence in South Carolina. That same year, Binzer was involved in a physical altercation with bandmate Bobby Reeves after a performance in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Despite the fight, Reeves downplayed the incident, expressing his affection for Binzer.
Binzer’s passing marks the end of a tumultuous but impactful career in the music industry. His contributions to Crazy Town and their hit “Butterfly” left a lasting impression on fans and the music scene. The news of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike, celebrating his legacy and the music he created.
As fans remember Shifty Shellshock, his story highlights both the highs and lows of life as a musician. From chart-topping success to personal struggles, Binzer’s life was a complex tapestry of creativity, challenges, and resilience. His influence on the rap rock genre will not be forgotten, and his music will continue to be appreciated by fans around the world.
