Seth Binzer, also known as Shifty Shellshock and recognized as the lead vocalist of the rap-rock group Crazy Town, has died at 49. His death was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office on June 24, 2024. Binzer was found dead at his residence in Los Angeles, California.

According to the band’s manager, Howie Hubberman, Binzer passed away due to an unintentional drug overdose.

Hubberman shared with People magazine that Seth Binzer, despite the band’s quick rise to fame with their hit song “Butterfly,” was unable to effectively address his substance abuse issues. He noted that despite collective efforts to help, they were ultimately unsuccessful in preventing this tragedy.

“The cause of death was a combination of prescription drugs and street purchased drugs,” said Hubberman. “Shifty was a friend and really wanted to get himself fixed — unfortunately no one had the exact tools to do this, myself included.”

Binzer and Bret “Epic” Mazur joined forces in the early 1990s to form Crazy Town, which formally came into existence in 1995. The band achieved international recognition with their hit single “Butterfly” from their debut album, “The Gift of Game,” which was released in 1999. The single secured the top position on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2001, becoming an emblematic song of the early 2000s.

The single “Butterfly” was more than just a commercial success; it marked a significant cultural moment by infusing appealing rock melodies with hip-hop rhythms, earning it regular airplay on rock and pop radio stations. Despite this achievement, Crazy Town found it challenging to replicate the success of their first album. Their second album, “Darkhorse,” released in 2002, did not match the commercial success of their debut, which led to the band’s initial split.

The vocalist struggled with substance abuse throughout his life, a battle that was publicly chronicled on television shows such as “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and “Sober House.” His addiction issues frequently influenced his personal relationships and career.

In 2012, Binzer slipped into a coma as a result of his substance abuse problems, but he managed to recover and continued to create music. He was arrested on several occasions for various offenses, including drug possession and DUI. In the previous year, Binzer was involved in a public dispute with Crazy Town guitarist Bobby Reeves, underscoring ongoing internal issues within the band.

Despite these personal trials, Binzer remained an active participant in the music industry. Crazy Town reunited in 2007 and released their third album, “The Brimstone Sluggers,” in 2015. Binzer also engaged in solo projects and collaborations, such as a notable single with DJ Paul Oakenfold, “Starry Eyed Surprise,” which was successful in the UK.

Following news of his death, fans and colleagues have been paying tribute to Binzer on social media. One fan wrote on Instagram, “RIP old friend… remember you best as a kid on a skateboard with the entire world in front of you… sending love to your family ❤️👏.” Another added, “Speechless… Rest in Peace, my Childhood Hero. Gonna miss you. 💔”

Shifty Shellshock’s life was a reflection of the peaks and valleys of rock stardom, his music reaching millions, even as he grappled with personal issues with which many could empathize.

Binzer is survived by his three sons, Halo, Gage, and Phoenix.