Sadly, at the age of 49, Crazy Town’s Shifty Shellshock—born Seth Binzer—has gone away. June 24, is when he passed away, according to the Los Angeles medical examiner. Fandom and loved ones are in grief and seeking answers as the reason of death has not been made public yet.
The prolonged and widely reported struggle Binzer had with drug misuse shaped his life. It was widely known that he battled addiction; in 2012, he was admitted to the hospital following a coma and loss of consciousness. Though his illness was severe, he recovered and left the hospital, but he never gave up on his battle with addiction.
In recent months, Binzer had been candid about his journey to sobriety. Eight weeks ago, he posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his determination to overcome his inner battles. “I’m a lover rather than a fighter …but the one I need to love more instead of fight with is myself .. mr shifty true Love # Sober alive and grateful (sic),” he wrote. This message resonated with many of his followers, who admired his honesty and vulnerability.
Binzer’s addiction issues were further highlighted through his appearances on reality television series such as ‘Celebrity Rehab’ seasons 1 and 2, and ‘Sober House’ seasons 1 and 2. These shows provided a raw and unfiltered look at his struggles, shedding light on the difficulties of battling addiction and the toll it takes on an individual’s life.
Binzer’s musical journey began in 1992 when he met co-frontman Bret Mazur, also known as Epic. Initially performing under the name Brimstone Sluggers, they eventually formed Crazy Town in 1999. Their breakthrough came with the release of ‘Butterfly’ in 2000, a noughties classic that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and reached number one in several countries, including Austria, Denmark, and Norway. The song, which samples ‘Pretty Little Ditty’ from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 1989 album ‘Mother’s Milk,’ brought them international fame and solidified their place in the music industry.
Crazy Town’s debut album, ‘The Gift of Game,’ sold more than 1.5 million copies. However, their 2002 follow-up, ‘Darkhorse,’ did not achieve the same level of success, leading to the band’s temporary disbandment. They reformed in 2007 and returned to the stage in 2009. Their third album, ‘The Brimstone Sluggers,’ was released in 2015.
Despite their musical success, the band’s journey was not without its challenges. In January 2017, Bret Mazur announced his departure from the band, and other members, including Rick Dixon, Nick Diiorio, and Kevin Kapler, also left in April. Binzer then added an “X” next to the band’s name, symbolizing a territory that had been won, a concept used by gangs.
In November 2019, Crazy Town faced another setback when their tour van crashed into a moose in Ontario, Canada. Members, including Binzer, were treated for bruises and cuts at the hospital. Nonetheless, the band continued to tour, with their most recent performances in 2023 alongside Hed PE. These shows went ahead despite a public altercation between Binzer and the group’s vocalist Bobby Reeves outside a venue in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Aside from his work with Crazy Town, Binzer pursued a solo career. He collaborated with British producer and musician Paul Oakenfold on the 2002 hit ‘Starry Eyed Surprise’ and released his debut solo album, ‘Happy Love Sick,’ in 2004. In 2010, he formed Shifty and The Big Shots, further showcasing his versatility as an artist.
However, Binzer’s life was often marred by legal troubles, including charges of attempted burglary and the use and sale of recreational drugs. Despite these issues, he remained a significant figure in the music industry, influencing many with his unique style and raw honesty.
Binzer’s personal life was also turbulent. He had two children, a son named Halo from his marriage to Melissa Clark, and another son named Gage with a woman named Tracy. In 2010, Binzer was in a relationship with Jasmine Lennard, but their tumultuous relationship led to police involvement in a domestic disturbance in 2011.
In 2022, Binzer began dating his childhood friend, actress Soleil Moon Frye, known for her role in ‘Punky Brewster.’ This relationship also faced challenges, as Binzer was arrested for driving under the influence in Los Angeles during their time together.
A combination of personal hardships, public battles with addiction, and musical achievement characterized Seth Binzer’s life. His contributions to the music industry, especially those made with Crazy Town, had a profound effect. His music and the impact he had on fans and other musicians alike ensure that his legacy endures despite his tragic passing. The tragic reminder of the complications of fame, addiction, and the enduring power of music provided by his path.
It’s evident from thinking back on Binzer’s life that he was resilient and creative. It is a credit to his creativity and commitment that he was able to write songs that so many people could relate to, even in the middle of personal hardship. Despite the loss of a distinctive voice in the music industry, his work still inspires and onnect people worldwide.
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