Shifty Shellshock, the lead singer of Crazy Town, has died aged 49.
The Context
Shellshock, whose given name was Seth Binzer, died on June 24, according to the Los Angeles medical examiner.
The singer was found at his home, but no cause of death has been released at this stage.
Newsweek contacted the medical examiner and Shellshock's representatives by email for comment.
What We Know
Shellshock rose to fame in the early 2000s with Crazy Town whose biggest hit was "Butterfly," which hit number one on music charts across the world, including the Billboard Hot 100.
The band released a follow-up album in 2002, but broke up soon after its dismal commercial performance. Crazy Town re-formed in 2007 and released their third album, The Brimstone Sluggers, in 2015.
Outside of Crazy Town, Shellshock had a hit with British producer Paul Oakenfold, including "Starry Eyed Surprise."
The singer had long struggled with drug misuse and appeared on different reality shows in order to combat his addiction including Celebrity Rehab 1 and 2, and Sober House 1 and 2.
Shellshock also had multiple brushes with the law, including being sentenced to three years probation in 2012 for battery and possession of crack cocaine.
"I would like to sincerely apologize to the parties involved... I feel very bad for those who I have offended and those who have endured this situation," Shellshock told TMZ at the time.
He also admitted in a 2001 interview with Rolling Stone that he had been arrested for shoplifting and had spent years misusing drugs, during which time he also sold illegal substances.
In 2022, Shellshock had been dating Punky Brewster star Soleil Moon Frye. Months after their split, he was arrested in Los Angeles for a DUI.
Shellshock is survived by three sons.
Views
Tributes quickly began pouring in for Shellshock once news of his death was revealed.
"Rest in power, Shifty. Addiction is f***** up. I was really hoping sobriety was going to turn things around for you," wrote @aaronsteele in the comments of one of Shellshock's Instagram posts, which featured a photo of him.
"RIP old friend... remember you best as a kid in a skateboard with the entire world in front of you... sending love to your family," wrote photographer Mike Azria.
"This absolutely broke my heart.. God damn it Seth why..... you've been in my life since we were kids.. damn, you just broke a lot of hearts.. rest in peace old friend love you," added @karimreese.
And @marioreyes82 commented: "Rip Seth. Thanks for sharing your art with the world, thank you for allowing me to do vocals those few times and especially thanks for always being a friend. RIP."
Shellshock's last post on Instagram showed an image of a person in a black balaclava and matching outfit looking up at a camera, surrounded by a group of people in the same outfit, but white in color staring straight ahead.
"To the ones who stay even when I try my hardest to scare the away," he captioned the post.
Update 6/25/24, 5:45 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include additional information.
Update 6/24/2024 6:22 a.m. ET: The headline was changed.
About the writer
Shannon Power is a Greek-Australian reporter, but now calls London home. They have worked as across three continents in print, ... Read more
