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Crazy Town frontman Shifty Shellshock’s cause of death revealed

The frontman of 2000s band Crazy Town was found dead at his home on Monday. Now his cause of death has been revealed.

Friday, June 28 | Top stories | From the Newsroom

The cause of death for Shifty Shellshock, the frontman of rap rock band Crazy Town, has been revealed.

The star, whose real name was Seth Brooks Binzer, died on Monday at home aged 49.

The frontman, who had battled with substance abuse over the years, opened up on social media about his struggles just eight weeks before his death.

Crazy Town’s Shifty Shellshock [right] in 2006. Picture: Vince Bucci/Getty Images
Crazy Town’s Shifty Shellshock [right] in 2006. Picture: Vince Bucci/Getty Images

The star, who was born Seth Binzer, died of an accidental overdose, according to People.

“Seth Binzer, after struggling with addiction and Crazy Town’s rapid success with Butterfly, never was able to reach out on a more successful level to deal with his addictions,” Crazy Town’s manager told the publication.

“We all tried, but ultimately we all failed, or Shifty would still be here.”

He continued: “The cause of death was a combination of prescription drugs and street purchased drugs. Shifty was a friend and really wanted to get himself fixed - unfortunately no one had the exact tools to do this, myself included.”

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner is reportedly still awaiting a toxicology report for more information in regards to what caused his death.

Shifty [front] was tragically found dead on Monday in his home. Picture: Warner.
Shifty [front] was tragically found dead on Monday in his home. Picture: Warner.

Crazy Town found global success with the release of Butterfly, which propelled them to stardom – especially Binzer, who was known for his iconic peroxide blonde hair and labrette piercing. The hit song was based on a sample of Pretty Little Ditty from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and was released in October 2000. However, it only gained mainstream popularity after being released physically in February 2001.

The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US the very next month, while also topping charts in many countries around the world, including at number 4 in Australia.

Crazy Town took their first hiatus from 2003 until 2007, when the frontman began pursuing a solo career with moderate success.

It was a rocky road at times from there, with Binzer openly discussing his issues with drug addiction

The singer soon talked openly about his struggles with drug addiction and even later appeared on substance abuse reality television series Celebrity Rehab and Sober House.

Shellshock met Crazy Town co-founder Bret Mazer in 1992, and the band went on to add various members, including Adam Goldstein (better known as DJ AM, who died from an accidental overdose in 2009), Rust Epique, Antonio Lorenzo Valli, James Bradley Jr., among others.

Originally published as Crazy Town frontman Shifty Shellshock’s cause of death revealed

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/crazy-town-frontman-shifty-shellshocks-cause-of-death-revealed/news-story/e1299a3f1b1317c5806f7fdba5496f54