Crazy Town Star Shifty Shellshock's Cryptic Final Post Before His Death

Two months before his death, Shifty Shellshock, the lead singer of Crazy Town, shared a cryptic post to his Instagram account.

Shellshock, whose given name was Seth Binzer, died on Monday, according to the Los Angeles medical examiner. He was found dead in his home: a cause of death has yet to be provided. He was 49 years old.

In addition to being the co-founder and lead vocalist for the popular rap-rock group—best known for their hit song "Butterfly"—Shellshock was also a solo musician. Throughout his life, Shellshock battled drug addiction and was featured in two seasons of the reality TV shows Sober House and Celebrity Rehab.

On April 20, he took to Instagram to share a photo of someone wearing a black top and a black balaclava looking at the camera. The fully-clothed figure is standing amongst people wearing the same clothes but in white, who are looking away. The text on the image reads: "Real is rare, fake is everywhere.

Shellshock captioned the post: "To the ones who stay even when I try my hardest to scare the [sic] away [black heart emoji]."

Newsweek contacted Shellshock's representatives by email for comment Tuesday.

At the time of writing, comments on the post had been limited but a variety of friends and fans had commented when Shellshock first shared the image. Many seemed concerned for the musician.

"Always here for ya brotha," singer Ray Garrison wrote.

"Always love and support my guy," one user commented.

"Long time no speak but I will always be here for you," a different Instagram user said.

A fourth added: "Ain't goin nowhere babe."

Tributes began pouring in following news of Shellshock's death. Many took to the comments of Shellshock's pinned post on Instagram to share their grief, which is a photograph of the singer.

"Rest in power, Shifty. Addiction is f***** up. I was really hoping sobriety was going to turn things around for you," one person wrote in the comments.

"RIP old friend... remember you best as a kid in a skateboard with the entire world in front of you... sending love to your family," wrote photographer Mike Azria.

"This absolutely broke my heart.. God damn it Seth why..... you've been in my life since we were kids.. damn, you just broke a lot of hearts.. rest in peace old friend love you," a different person added.

Someone else commented: "I am so sorry to hear about this - condolences to him and his family - it was an honour to have known you and tattooed you . The short time I spent with you..... I knew you had a good soul .. and bless you."

Shellshock rose to fame with Crazy Town, with their debut studio album, The Gift of Game, released in 1999. The band followed this with a tour support slot for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and released their follow-up album—Darkhorse—in 2002 but broke up soon after its dismal commercial performance. Crazy Town re-formed in 2007 and released their third album, The Brimstone Sluggers, in 2015.

Outside of Crazy Town, Shellshock had a hit with British producer Paul Oakenfold, including "Starry Eyed Surprise."

Shellshock had multiple brushes with the law, including being sentenced to three years probation in 2012 for battery and possession of crack cocaine.

"I would like to sincerely apologize to the parties involved... I feel very bad for those who I have offended and those who have endured this situation," Shellshock told TMZ at the time.

In a 2001 interview with Rolling Stone, he told the publication that he had been arrested for shoplifting and had spent years misusing drugs, during which time he also sold illegal substances.

In 2022, Shellshock had been dating Punky Brewster star Soleil Moon Frye. Months after their split, he was arrested in Los Angeles for driving under the influence. Shellshock is survived by three sons.