History of Crazy Town in Timeline
Crazy Town, a Los Angeles-based rap rock band, gained significant recognition with their hit single "Butterfly" in 2000. Formed in 1995 by Bret "Epic" Mazur and Shifty Shellshock, the band's debut album, "The Gift of Game" (1999), achieved platinum status, largely propelled by "Butterfly"'s success. However, their second album, "Darkhorse" (2002), couldn't replicate the success of their debut, ultimately leading to the band's disbandment in 2003.
1977: James Bradley Jr.'s Early Career
Before joining Crazy Town, James Bradley Jr. was the drummer for jazz musician Chuck Mangione from 1977 to 1981.
1981: End of Collaboration with Chuck Mangione
James Bradley Jr.'s time with Chuck Mangione ended in 1981.
1995: The Early Days of Crazy Town
Bret Mazur (Epic) and Seth Binzer (Shifty Shellshock) began working together as "The Brimstone Sluggers" in 1995.
1995: Formation of Crazy Town
Crazy Town, also known as CXT, was formed in Los Angeles in 1995 by Bret "Epic" Mazur and Shifty Shellshock (Seth Brooks Binzer).
November 1999: Release of "The Gift of Game"
Crazy Town released their debut album, "The Gift of Game", in November 1999.
1999: Release of "The Gift of Game"
Crazy Town released their debut album, "The Gift of Game", in November 1999.
2000: Crazy Town's Ozzfest Controversy
Crazy Town joined the Ozzfest tour in 2000 but were removed after two weeks when Seth Binzer was arrested for throwing a chair through a window while intoxicated.
2000: "Butterfly" Tops the Charts
Crazy Town's single "Butterfly" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2000.
2001: Ozzfest Tour and "Revolving Door"
Crazy Town went on the Ozzfest tour again in 2001, facing mixed reactions and the nickname "The Butterfly Boys". They also released their single "Revolving Door", which achieved limited success.
2001: "Butterfly" Soars to Number One
Crazy Town's single "Butterfly", which samples Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Pretty Little Ditty", was released in 2001 and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
2001: "Butterfly": An Unexpected Hit
Despite being known for rap metal, Crazy Town's biggest hit, "Butterfly", had a more hip-hop sound, contributing to its broad appeal in 2001.
November 12, 2002: Release of "Darkhorse"
Crazy Town released their second album, "Darkhorse", on November 12, 2002. The album had a more rock-oriented sound due to producer Howard Benson's influence.
2002: Release of "Darkhorse"
Crazy Town released their second album, "Darkhorse", in 2002. However, it failed to achieve the same success as their debut album.
2002: Shifty Shellshock Collaborates with Paul Oakenfold
In 2002, Seth Binzer, known as Shifty Shellshock, collaborated with Paul Oakenfold, contributing vocals to the single "Starry Eyed Surprise".
2003: Crazy Town Breaks Up
Crazy Town disbanded in 2003 due to various factors, including pressure from their record label to replicate the success of "Butterfly".
2004: Post-Crazy Town Ventures and Rust Epique's Passing
After Crazy Town's break up, Bret Mazur established The Pharmacy, a record production company. Rust Epique formed the band pre)Thing but sadly passed away from a heart attack shortly before their debut album's release in 2004. Shifty Shellshock released his solo album, "Happy Love Sick", under his alias.
2007: Crazy Town Announces Reunion and New Album
Crazy Town announced their reunion in late 2007 and mentioned working on a new album, "Crazy Town is Back", planned for a 2008 release, although it never materialized.
2008: Anticipated Album Release Doesn't Happen
Crazy Town's planned album release for "Crazy Town is Back" in 2008 did not occur.
August 26, 2009: Crazy Town Reunites on Stage
On August 26, 2009, Crazy Town performed together for the first time in five years at Les Deux in Hollywood, California.
August 28, 2009: DJ AM's Passing
Tragically, former Crazy Town member DJ AM passed away on August 28, 2009, from an accidental drug overdose.
August 7, 2010: Crazy Town Performs at SRH FEST 2010
Crazy Town performed at the SRH FEST 2010 in California on August 7, 2010.
2011: Crazy Town Releases New Music Online
Crazy Town shared new music online in 2011, including "My Place" on YouTube and "Hard to Get" and "Hit That Switch" on Myspace.
2013: Crazy Town Records "The Brimstone Sluggers"
Crazy Town started recording their new album, "The Brimstone Sluggers", in 2013.
December 18, 2014: Crazy Town Releases "Megatron"
Crazy Town released "Megatron", the first single from their upcoming album, on December 18, 2014. The song was later featured as the theme for Impact Wrestling.
August 2015: Release of "Born to Raise Hell"
Crazy Town released "Born to Raise Hell", featuring the late DJ AM, as a single in August 2015.
August 28, 2015: Release of "The Brimstone Sluggers"
"The Brimstone Sluggers" was released on August 28, 2015. Notably, the late DJ AM is featured on the track "Born to Raise Hell".
2015: "Megatron" Used as Impact Wrestling Theme Song
Crazy Town's "Megatron" was used as the theme song for Impact Wrestling on Destination America in 2015.
2015: Release of "The Brimstone Sluggers"
The reunited Crazy Town released their third album, "The Brimstone Sluggers", in 2015.
October 2016: Crazy Town Tours with Make America Rock Again
Crazy Town joined the Make America Rock Again tour from August to October 2016, performing alongside other prominent acts from the 2000s. During the tour, Epic took a temporary break and was replaced by Bobby Reeves, former vocalist of Adema.
January 2017: Epic Leaves Crazy Town
Bret "Epic" Mazur announced his departure from Crazy Town in January 2017, stating his intention to remain involved with the band but not as a touring member. Following his exit, other members also left, and the band's name was modified to Crazy Town X.
2017: Mazur Departs, Band Becomes Crazy Town X
Bret Mazur left Crazy Town in 2017, leading Shifty Shellshock to rename the band to Crazy Town X.
November 3, 2019: Crazy Town's Van Collides with a Moose
On November 3, 2019, Crazy Town's tour van was involved in an accident, colliding with a moose in Ontario, Canada. Band members Seth Binzer, Elias Tannous, and Roland Banks sustained minor injuries and received treatment.
2023: Crazy Town Removed from Tour After Fight
Crazy Town was removed from a tour with Hed PE in 2023 after a physical altercation between Seth Binzer and vocalist Bobby Reeves at a venue in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
June 24, 2024: Death of Seth Binzer
Seth Binzer was found dead in his home on June 24, 2024. The cause of death was not disclosed.
