Seth Binzer, better known as Crazy Town frontman Shifty Shellock, has died at age 49. He was found in his Los Angeles home, and the singer’s reps have confirmed that he died of an accidental drug overdose, as reported by Blabbermouth.
Binzer co-founded Crazy Town with Bret Mazur in the late 90’s. The two had been making music together for years at that point, both having struggled with substance abuse. That same year, they shared Crazy Town’s biggest hit, “Butterfly,” which sampled Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Pretty Little Ditty” and reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. According to Blabbermouth, their debut album, The Gift Of Game, sold 1.6 million units.
Crazy Town released their sophomore album in 2002, but NME reports that they disbanded shortly after, reportedly due to the album’s poor commercial success. They wouldn’t be apart for too long, however. Crazy Town reunited in 2007 and shared their third studio album, The Brimstone Sluggers.
Outside of Crazy Town, Binzer shared a single titled “Starry Eyed Surprise,” which was a collaboration with British producer Paul Oakenfold. He was also very transparent about his struggles with addiction, even appearing on various reality shows throughout the early 2000’s to combat his addiction and raise awareness. (via NME)
Some of Binzer’s more personal battles have become public over the years. According to NME, he faced various charges for alleged cocaine possession, alleged domestic violence, and alleged drinking and driving, even facing jail time. He and the other Crazy Town members made headlines last year for physical altercation between the band members.
Binzer’s rep, Howie Hubberman, shared this statement following his passing: “Seth has been struggling with substance abuse problems for quite some time. 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.” (via Blabbermouth)
Seth Binzer is survived by his three sons, Halo, Gage, and Phoenix.
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