Crazy Town singer Shifty Shellshock talked sobriety in 1 of his final interviews before death: ‘Music has kept me alive’
The late Crazy Town singer Shifty Shellshock, aka Seth Brooks Binzer, talked about sobriety in one of his final interviews before his accidental overdose, in footage obtained by TMZ.
In the interview, the singer was at a Rock to Recovery benefit concert last August at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood, and told Mayra Dias Gomes, “I’m feeling good. Sober, happy.”
He continued, “I think music has kept me alive, I think it always is the light that gives me… that and my children inspire me to live. Music has always been my therapy; it’s helped me get through everything.”
He added that recovering addicts “have been to the darkest places and made it back… we always have good content.”
The frontman of the rap group Crazy Town — who battled addiction for years — died at age 49 on June 24, at his home in Los Angeles. The band’s manager Howie Hubberman said the cause of death was an accidental overdose.
Hubberman explained that Shellshock died after taking a deadly “combination of prescription drugs and street purchased drugs,” he told 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,” Hubberman told the outlet.
Hubberman called the troubled rocker a “friend” he wished he could have “fixed,” but “unfortunately, no one had the exact tools to do this, myself included.”
Crazy Town was formed in 1995 by Shellshock and fellow rapper Bret “Epic” Mazur, and rose to fame with their 2000 single “Butterfly.” Other members included DJ Rick One, Mark White, Adam Bravin and Charles Lopez.
Shellshock, who was open about his struggles with addiction, appeared on “Celebrity Rehab” twice and its follow-up show, “Sober House.”
In 2012, the rapper was reportedly arrested for battery and cocaine possession.
He was also arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles in 2022. He was charged with another DUI in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in April 2023, according to TMZ.
Shellshock is survived by his three children, Halo, Gage and Phoenix.
“To Seth, the world was art — he loved every part of it, from music and fashion to graffiti, skateboarding and his hometown of Los Angeles,” his family said in a statement after his death. “He loved his three boys more than anything, and his dedication to his music and fans never wavered.”
“God knows he tried so hard to beat his demons but sadly he lost his battle,” they continued. “Our hearts are shattered by his loss. Seth’s larger-than-life presence touched so many. Seth was a troubled soul but he was a beautiful one and he had a heart of gold.”
“He will live on through his 3 sons who were his proudest accomplishments. Halo, Gage and Phoenix,” the statement concluded.
David Arquette also paid tribute to Shellshock after his death.
“I’m sending all my love to my brother Seth @therealcrazytown and his family. Shifty as I knew him when we first met during a graffiti battle in an LA yard,” Arquette captioned a montage of photos and videos via Instagram.
“He was such an incredible man with a huge heart. We shared a lot of the same struggles and I want his family to find love and healing during this painful time,” he continued. “Love you kid.”
Soleil Moon Frye paid tribute to Shellshock after his death too.
The “Punky Brewster” star, who knew Shellshock since middle school and dated him from 2021 to 2022, posted on Instagram, “My heart is whispering a million I love you’s for the way you loved my children and I so unconditionally,” alongside an assortment of photos of the pair.
“So for now I will use every bit of strength you showed me to hold on to those words you asked me in your beautiful morning [gravelly] voice on the beach while covering me with kisses. ‘to the people we have lost we will see them again down the road, right?’ I believe we will Seth…” she wrote. “and when we do, the most charming bad ass tattoed angel in mismatched shoes, who taught me how to drink up life again will be standing there with the biggest smile.”
“I will instantly see your moon on fire cheek welcoming your family, friends, fans and loved ones under loving double rainbow arches… I love you forever and always. Your Moonfire xx.”
