Seth Binzer aka Shifty Shellshock (age 49, August 23, 1974 – June 24, 2024) was a renowned American musician best known for co-founding and fronting the rap-rock band Crazy Town.
Shellshock’s fame skyrocketed with the release of Crazy Town’s hit song “Butterfly,” and he also enjoyed a solo music career.
His journey in the music industry began in 1992 when he met fellow Crazy Town frontman, Bret Mazur. They initially collaborated under the name The Brimstone Sluggers and by early 1999, they officially formed Crazy Town.
The band’s single “Butterfly” became a global sensation, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and charts in several other countries, including Austria, Denmark, and Norway.
The success of “Butterfly” significantly boosted the sales of their debut album, “The Gift of Game,” which sold over 1.5 million copies.
In 2000, Crazy Town was signed to tour with Ozzfest. However, the band had to withdraw after just two weeks when Binzer was arrested for throwing a chair through a window while intoxicated.
On June 24, 2024, Shifty Shellshock (Seth Binzer) passed away at his residence, as reported by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s website. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Seth Binzer struggled with addiction
Seth Binzer (Shifty Shellshock) tragically passed away at his residence on June 24, 2024. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his death, though the cause has not yet been disclosed.
Shellshock gained fame as the frontman of the rap rock band Crazy Town, known for their hit single “Butterfly.” However, he was also widely recognized for his candid discussions about battling addiction.
Throughout his life, Shellshock openly shared his struggles with addiction, a journey that was documented on VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab” for two seasons and its follow-up show “Sober House.” These shows chronicled his efforts to seek recovery and his willingness to share his experiences with viewers.
On March 29, 2012, Binzer was hospitalized after losing consciousness, an incident that drew widespread concern. Fortunately, he emerged from a coma and was later discharged from the hospital, continuing his journey of recovery and self-improvement.
Seth Binzer dated several women
Seth Binzer’s personal life involved several relationships and legal issues. In 2002, he married Melissa Clark, and they had a son named Halo. Their marriage ended in 2011 when Clark filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
In 2008, Binzer dated Tracy, and they had a son named Gage after that In 2010, he started a relationship with Jasmine Lennard. On March 27, 2011, police responded to a domestic disturbance involving the couple.
Binzer was arrested for outstanding warrants but was released the same day. He explained that it was a noise complaint and that the warrant was for defending himself against a security guard.
In 2012, Lennard and Binzer got engaged. However, Binzer was arrested in February 2012 for battery and cocaine possession, leading to three years’ probation and the end of their relationship.
They had a son named Phoenix. In 2013, Lennard sought exclusive custody of Phoenix, claiming Binzer smoked crack in front of their son and once left a crack pipe in his room.
In 2022, Binzer was dating his childhood friend and actress Soleil Moon Frye when he was arrested for DUI in Los Angeles.
Shifty Shellshock was a son of Rollin Binzer
Shifty Shellshock was born Seth Binzer on August 23, 1974, in Los Angeles, California, and was the son of Leslie Brooks and Rollin Binzer. His father, Rollin, was a well-known artist and filmmaker.
Binzer spent his early years moving between Boston and Los Angeles. At 12, his family settled back in Los Angeles, where he discovered his love for rapping and graffiti art.
As a teen, he became part of the West Coast hip-hop scene and gained fame for his daring graffiti work in Westwood Village and Hollywood.
He also joined the hip-hop group The Whooliganz and toured with Cypress Hill, Rage Against the Machine, and House of Pain.
In 1995, Binzer met Epic Mazur in a recording studio, leading to their collaboration as The Brimstone Sluggers. Although they didn’t release an album, they produced music for artists like the Black Eyed Peas.
Binzer’s big break came when he co-founded the rap-rock band Crazy Town with Mazur. Their single “Butterfly” was a worldwide hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and charts in several countries. Their debut album, “The Gift of Game,” sold over 1.5 million copies.
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Shifty Shellshock FAQs
Ques: What was Shifty Shellshock addicted to?
Ans: Shellshock struggled with drug addiction.
Ques: How old was Shifty Shellshock?
Ans: Shifty was 49 years old.
Ques: How did Shifty Shellshock die?
Ans: Seth Binzer’s cause of death has not been revealed.