Soleil Moon Frye Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Late Ex-Boyfriend Shifty Shellshock
Soleil Moon Frye, known for her role as Punky Brewster, has paid a touching tribute to her late ex-boyfriend, Shifty Shellshock, whose real name was Seth Binzer. The Crazy Town frontman passed away at the age of 49, leaving behind a legacy marked by both musical success and personal struggles.
Seth Binzer, who rose to fame with Crazy Town’s hit song “Butterfly,” was reported to have died on June 24, according to the Los Angeles medical examiner. The cause of death remains unknown at this time. Binzer had a long history of battling substance abuse, which had led to several public incidents and stints in rehabilitation.
Frye took to social media to express her sorrow and share her memories of Binzer. “Seth was a beautiful soul with a heart full of love,” she wrote. “We shared so many incredible moments together, and I will always cherish the time we had. He was a fighter, and I hope he has found the peace he was searching for.”
Binzer’s struggles with addiction were well-documented. In 2012, he was admitted to the hospital after losing consciousness and falling into a coma. He had recently opened up about his journey to sobriety and his ongoing battle with himself. Just eight weeks before his death, he posted on Instagram, “I’m a lover than a fighter… but the one I need to love more, instead of fight with, is myself… Mr. shifty true love #Sober, alive and grateful.”
Despite his personal challenges, Binzer’s impact on the music world was significant. Crazy Town’s debut album, “The Gift of Game,” sold over 1.5 million copies, and “Butterfly” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. The song was also number one in several other countries, including Austria, Denmark, and Norway. The track sampled “Pretty Little Ditty” from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 1989 album “Mother’s Milk,” earning the group songwriting credits.
Binzer’s career was not without its ups and downs. After the success of “The Gift of Game,” Crazy Town’s follow-up album, “Darkhorse,” failed to achieve the same level of success, leading to the band’s temporary disbandment in 2002. They reformed in 2007 and continued to perform, releasing their third album, “The Brimstone Sluggers,” in 2015.
In addition to his work with Crazy Town, Binzer pursued a solo career and collaborated with British producer and musician Paul Oakenfold on the 2002 hit “Starry Eyed Surprise.” His debut solo album, “Happy Love Sick,” was released in 2004, and he formed Shifty and The Big Shots in 2010.
Binzer’s personal life was tumultuous. He had three sons from three different relationships. He shared one son, Halo, with his ex-wife Melissa Clark, whom he married in 2002. The couple separated in 2005, and Clark filed for divorce in 2011. Binzer also had a son named Gage with a woman named Tracy and another son, Phoenix, with Jasmine Lennard, whom he dated in 2010. Their relationship ended after his arrest in 2012.
Tributes from fans and fellow musicians have poured in since the news of Binzer’s passing. Many took to social media to express their sadness and share their memories of the musician. “RIP Shifty Shellshock,” one fan wrote. “I hope he found peace.” Another added, “Butterfly was an absolute banger and will always be a part of my childhood.”
Binzer’s final years were marked by continued struggles with addiction and legal issues. In April 2023, he was arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for driving under the influence of alcohol. A police report stated that he was spotted swerving in and out of lanes in a black SUV and appeared lethargic and slurred his words before failing a sobriety test.
Just a week before his arrest, Binzer and his Crazy Town bandmate Bobby Reeves were involved in a fistfight following a concert in Myrtle Beach. The altercation stemmed from Binzer’s absence during most of the show, which led to Reeves performing in his place. The two eventually reconciled, with Reeves posting on Instagram, “Me and Shifty got into a little scuffle but it’s all good, we’re brothers.”
In his final Instagram video, Binzer announced that Crazy Town and Black Oxygen were releasing a new version of “Butterfly.” He said, “My good friends here are doing a cover of ‘Butterfly’ that is fresh and still classic. It is going to be special. It has been over 20 years since we released it, so it’s going to be a new version of ‘Butterfly’ for a new generation.”
Soleil Moon Frye’s tribute to Binzer highlights the deep connection they shared and the impact he had on her life. “Seth, you will always hold a special place in my heart,” she wrote. “Your spirit will live on through your music and the memories we created together. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”
As fans and loved ones continue to mourn the loss of Shifty Shellshock, his legacy as a musician and his journey through life’s challenges will be remembered. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities of addiction and the importance of compassion and support for those who struggle with it.
Source: Los Angeles medical examiner, Instagram
