Shifty Shellshock, the lead vocalist of the rap rock band Crazy Town, famous for their hit song “Butterfly,” has passed away at the age of 49.


The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s website confirmed that Shellshock, born Seth Binzer, died at his home on Monday. The cause of death has yet to be disclosed.


Shellshock's journey with Crazy Town began in 1992 when he met co-founder Bret Mazur. Initially, they made music under the name the Brimstone Sluggers, but by 1999, they rebranded as Crazy Town. The band expanded to include Rust Epique, James Bradley Jr. (aka JBJ), Doug Miller, Adam Goldstein (aka DJ AM), and Antonio Lorenzo “Trouble” Valli. 




Crazy Town’s debut album, “The Gift of Game,” was released in November 1999. They soon supported the Red Hot Chili Peppers on tour. In October 2000, Crazy Town released “Butterfly” as the third single from their debut album. Sampling the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Pretty Little Ditty,” the song showcased Shellshock’s relaxed rapping style — “Come my lady, come-come my lady, You’re my butterfly, sugar baby” — creating a blend of rap and rock that resonated widely. The track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for two non-consecutive weeks, becoming the band’s most successful hit.


After their second album, “Darkhorse” (2002), failed to match the success of their debut, Crazy Town disbanded. Shellshock then embarked on a solo career, collaborating with Paul Oakenfold on the 2002 hit “Starry Eyed Surprise,” which peaked at No. 41 on the charts. His first solo album, “Happy Love Sick,” was released in 2004 and achieved moderate success in Europe.


Shellshock was candid about his battles with addiction, appearing on reality shows like VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab” and its follow-up “Sober House.” In 2012, he was hospitalized after falling into a coma, from which he eventually recovered. His most recent run-in with the law was a DUI arrest in 2022.


Shifty Shellshock is survived by his three children, Halo, Gage, and Phoenix.