Shifty Shellshock’s Rep Confirms He Died of an Accidental Overdose
It’s getting incredibly draining to have to keep reporting on musicians dying to the horrible epidemic of substance abuse, but here we are. One day after learning that Crazy Town vocalist Seth Binzer (known to fans as Shifty Shellshock) passed away at the young age of 49, there’s now confirmation from someone close to him that he died from an accidental overdose.
The information comes from a Rolling Stone report in which Binzer’s representative Howie Hubberman revealed the apparent cause of death. In his statement, he mentioned that Binzer’s struggle with substance abuse had been a problem for a long time prior to his passing.
“Seth has been struggling with substance abuse problems for quite some time. Seth was not happy with the daily struggle that’s called life. Some people cope in many different ways. It’s unfortunate we lose so many people to addiction and accessibility to harmful drugs. Shifty was a real-life tragedy. Too fast, too hard, too soon.”
Binzer was the driving force behind the creation of Crazy Town back in 1995. Four years later, the band struck it big with the hit track “Butterfly,” which received massive airtime on MTV and radios all over. It helped propel the band’s first album The Gift of Game to the top of the U.S. Billboard charts. Sadly, the band was never able to repeat their success over the years and became relegated to the history books as a one-hit wonder.
In the past, Binzer’s struggle with substance abuse was public knowledge, having participated in reality TV shows like Celebrity Rehab and Sober House. He was also involved in some very public-facing blowouts with his bandmates that reminded everyone of his struggles.
Binzer was also arrested multiple times over the years as a result of his drug use. Just last year he was taken into custody for an alleged DUI. He was once sentenced to three years of probation in 2012 for battery and possession of crack cocaine. In a 2001 interview with Rolling Stone, he admitted that he’d been nabbed by police for shoplifting and that he’d sold drugs in the past.
Since yesterday’s news broke, people have paid their tributes to Binzer. In one instance, his bandmate Bret “Epic” Mazur posted a statement on Facebook lamenting the loss:
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we have learned the passing of our dear friend and brother, Seth Binzer. As the other half of Crazy Town, Seth’s incredible talent and larger-than-life personality left an indelible mark on all who knew him and on the music we created together.
“Seth struggled with the challenges of maintaining sobriety throughout his life, a battle that he continuously fought privately and publicly. Despite the hardships, he brought immense joy and energy into the lives of those around him. I wish with all my heart that his story could have ended differently, but we find solace in the hope that Seth has finally found the peace he was searching for so desperately all these years.
“Our Crazy Town family and I treasure the core memories from our younger years, the highs and lows, the laughter and the lessons and each moment contributed to who we are today. Seth’s journey, marked by struggle, was also filled with moments of incredible creativity and love.
“I want to take a quick moment to stress the importance of sobriety. For nearly 18 years, I have walked a sober path, and I urge anyone struggling to seek help and support, from myself or someone you trust. There is always hope, and a chance for a better tomorrow.
“We will miss Seth more than words can express. His spirit will live on in the music we made and in the hearts of those who loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Seth. You will always be remembered and cherished.
“With love and sorrow….God speed…ya’ boy
“Bret “Epic” Mazur”
Binzer is survived by his three sons. We at Metal Sucks offer our condolences to Binzer’s family, friends, and former bandmates during this difficult time.
