Crazy Town’s shocking Shellshock is ‘sober and happy’ as clip emerges before his death

One of Shifty Shellshock’s last interviews before his death two weeks ago has resurfaced. In it, he said he felt sober and happy.

Shellshock, real name Seth Binzer, was the co-founder and lead singer of the popular rap-rock group Crazy Town, best known for their 2001 number one hit “Butterfly.”

The singer was found dead in his home on June 24 at the age of 49, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner. The band’s manager then said: People The frontman died of an accidental drug overdose, but the cause of death has not yet been determined as the toxicology reports are not yet available.

In footage obtained by TMZShellshock spoke about his sobriety with Mayra Dias Gomes at a Rock to Recovery benefit concert at the Fonda Theater in Hollywood last August. When asked how he felt, Shellshock said he was “sober” and told Dias Gomes that music and his children give his life meaning.

Newsweek sent Shellshock representatives an email on Friday seeking comment.

“No, I feel good. Sober, happy… I think music has kept me alive. I think it’s always, uh, the light that gives me, uh – that and my kids inspire me to live. Music has always been my therapy; it’s helped me get through everything,” Shellshock said.

The singer also revealed his theory on why recovering addicts make such great artists: “Recovering addicts have been through the darkest places, they’ve been in the darkest places and made it back. That’s why we always, we always have good content.”

During his interview with People According to Crazy Town magazine, manager Howie Hubberman, Shellshock struggled with the band’s rapid success.

“Seth Binzer never attempted to deal with his addictions on a more successful level with ‘Butterfly’ after his battle with addiction and the quick success of Crazy Town,” Hubberman told the publication. “We all tried, but ultimately we all failed, otherwise Shifty would still be here.”

He added: “The cause of death was a combination of prescription drugs and street drugs. Shifty was a friend and was desperate to heal himself – unfortunately no one, including me, had the right tools to do so.”

After appearing in two seasons of reality TV shows Sober House And Celebrity rehabShellshock has spoken about his battle with drug addiction throughout his career.

In an interview with Rolling StoneHe said he had been arrested for shoplifting and had abused drugs for years, including selling illegal substances during that time.

Shellshock has had several run-ins with the law in the past. In 2012, he was sentenced to three years’ probation for domestic violence and possession of crack cocaine.

“I would like to sincerely apologize to those involved… I am very sorry to those I have offended and to those who have endured this situation,” said Shellshock TMZ by the time.

In 2022, Shellshock was together Punky Brewster Star Soleil Moon Frye. Months after their separation, he was arrested in Los Angeles for driving under the influence.

The debut studio album by Crazy Town, The gift of the gamewas released in 1999. The band then played as a support tour for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and released their follow-up album—Dark Horse— in 2002. However, they soon disbanded after their dismal commercial success. Crazy Town reformed in 2007 and released their third album, The Brimstone Sluggersin 2015.