The official cause of death for singer Shifty Shellshock, whose real name was Seth Binzer, has been released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Binzer, the lead singer of the band “Crazy Town” and a reality TV star on shows like Celebrity Rehab, passed away due to the effects of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. His death was ruled accidental.
Binzer was found unresponsive at a home on June 24, and his death was confirmed shortly after. The examination took place on June 25, but the cause of death was officially confirmed on September 24. The full report will be available on October 11.
The Band’s Manager Said Seth Binzer Struggled With Addiction & the Band’s ‘Rapid Success’
Seth “Shifty Shellshock” Binzer, the 49-year-old singer of Crazy Town, died from the effects of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. His cause of death was officially confirmed on September 24, 2024. #crazytown #shiftyshellshock #rock #numetal #raprock
The band’s manager previously told People Magazine in June that Seth Binzer died from an accidental overdose.
Howie Hubberman, the manager, explained that after Crazy Town’s quick success with their hit song “Butterfly,” Binzer struggled with addiction but couldn’t fully overcome it. Hubberman said, “We all tried, but ultimately, we failed, or Shifty would still be here.”
He also shared that Binzer’s death was caused by a mix of prescription drugs and street drugs, adding that Shifty wanted to get better, but no one had the right tools to help him, including himself.
Shift Shellshock & His Band Had a Massive Hit With the Song, ‘Butterfly’
According to Deadline, Seth Binzer was a “nu-metal star” who co-founded the American rap-rock group Crazy Town in 1995 with Bret “Epic” Mazur. Their song “Butterfly” from the album The Gift of Game became a huge hit and was one of the anthems of the 2000s. However, the band didn’t reach the same level of success with their later albums. The music video for “Butterfly” has 249 million views on the band’s YouTube page.
“Happy Heavenly 50th to Uncle Shifty! #missyou #shiftyshellshock @CrazyTownBand”
A fan commented on the “Butterfly” YouTube video, saying, “You’ve transformed into a butterfly now, fly high. You’ll always be part of our youth; this song was everywhere in the summer of 2000. It’s a classic! Rest in peace, Shifty.”
Another person wrote, “R.I.P. Seth Binzer, thank you for all the happy memories and music. Rest in paradise, brother.”
Drummer Brad Rice shared on X after the news about Shellshock’s cause of death was released, saying, “I didn’t know Shifty Shellshock (Seth Binzer of Crazy Town) passed away in June. Addiction is heartbreaking and doesn’t make sense. For those of us who struggle with it, we have to stay aware forever. I’m always here if anyone needs to talk.”
