Frontman of Crazy Town & Butterfly Singer, Shifty Shellshock Dies at 49

Shifty Shellshock, known for his distinctive voice and his role as the frontman of Crazy Town, has passed away at the age of 49. The singer gained fame with the hit song “Butterfly,” which became a defining track of the early 2000s. His career was marked by both musical success and personal struggles, leaving a lasting impact on fans and the music industry.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Shifty Shellshock, born Seth Binzer, met his Crazy Town co-founder, Bret Mazur, in 1992. They first began making music under the name the Brimstone Sluggers, but by 1999, their moniker was changed to Crazy Town and the band had added members Rust Epique, James Bradley Jr. (aka JBJ), Doug Miller, Adam Goldstein (aka DJ AM), and Antonio Lorenzo “Trouble” Valli.

Rise to Fame with “Butterfly”

Crazy Town’s debut album, “The Gift of Game,” was released in November 1999, and the band supported the Red Hot Chili Peppers on tour shortly after. In October 2000, Crazy Town released “Butterfly” as the third single from “The Gift of Game.” The song, which samples the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Pretty Little Ditty,” became the band’s biggest hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for two non-consecutive weeks.

Post-Crazy Town Career

After Crazy Town’s second album, “Darkhorse” (2002), failed to evoke the same fervor, the band broke up. Shellshock then pursued a solo career, collaborating with Paul Oakenfold on his 2002 hit “Starry Eyed Surprise,” which peaked at No. 41 on the charts. In 2004, Shellshock released his first solo album, “Happy Love Sick,” which found moderate success in Europe.

Personal Struggles and Reality TV

Shellshock had been open about his struggles with addiction and appeared on several reality shows regarding the matter, including two seasons of VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab” and two seasons of its follow-up show “Sober House.” In 2012, he was admitted to the hospital after losing consciousness and fell into a coma before recovering. He was most recently arrested for a DUI in 2022.

Legacy and Survivors

Shifty Shellshock is survived by his three children, Halo, Gage, and Phoenix. Despite his personal challenges, Shellshock’s contribution to music, especially with the hit “Butterfly,” remains memorable. His life story is a testament to the complex journey of fame, success, and personal redemption.