Crazy Town vocalist Shifty Shellshock died from an accidental drug overdose, representative reveals
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Crazy Town vocalist Shifty Shellshock, real name is Seth Binzer, died following an accidental drug overdose, a spokesman for the singer has revealed.
The rap-rock star was found dead at his home in Los Angeles on June 24. He was 49 years old.
The cause of death, according to a statement given to the Consequence of Sound website by his representative, Howie Hubberman, was an accidental drug overdose.
“Seth has been struggling with substance abuse problems for quite sometime,” Hubberman said in a statement. “Seth was not happy with the daily struggle that’s called life. Some people cope in many different ways. It’s unfortunate we lose so many people to addiction and accessibility to harmful drugs. Shifty was a real-life tragedy. Too fast, too hard, too soon.”
Since yesterday’s news broke, people have paid their tributes to Binzer. In one instance, his bandmate Bret “Epic” Mazur posted a statement on Facebook lamenting the loss:
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we have learned the passing of our dear friend and brother, Seth Binzer. As the other half of Crazy Town, Seth’s incredible talent and larger-than-life personality left an indelible mark on all who knew him and on the music we created together.
“Seth struggled with the challenges of maintaining sobriety throughout his life, a battle that he continuously fought privately and publicly. Despite the hardships, he brought immense joy and energy into the lives of those around him. I wish with all my heart that his story could have ended differently, but we find solace in the hope that Seth has finally found the peace he was searching for so desperately all these years.
“Our Crazy Town family and I treasure the core memories from our younger years, the highs and lows, the laughter and the lessons and each moment contributed to who we are today. Seth’s journey, marked by struggle, was also filled with moments of incredible creativity and love.
“I want to take a quick moment to stress the importance of sobriety. For nearly 18 years, I have walked a sober path, and I urge anyone struggling to seek help and support, from myself or someone you trust. There is always hope, and a chance for a better tomorrow.
“We will miss Seth more than words can express. His spirit will live on in the music we made and in the hearts of those who loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Seth. You will always be remembered and cherished.
“With love and sorrow….God speed…ya’ boy
“Bret “Epic” Mazur”
Binzer co-founded Crazy Town with co-vocalist Bret 'Epic' Mazur in 1995. The group were best known for their 2001 US number one single Butterfly, taken from their million-selling The Gift Of Game album, which was released in 1999.
Binzer struggled with addiction during his lifetime, and appeared on the reality television programmes Celebrity Rehab 1 and 2 and Sober House 1 and 2.
Binzer opened up about going sober in a social media post in April.
He wrote on Instagram: “I’m a lover 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”
Binzer was the third member of Crazy Town to pass away. Guitarist Rust Epique died, aged 36, following a 2004 heart attack, and DJ AM, aka Adam Goldstein, died in 2009, aged 36, from a drug overdose.
