Crazy Town is an American rap rock band that was formed in Los Angeles in 1995 by Bret Mazur and Seth Binzer, who is better known by his stage name, Shifty Shellshock. The band is best known for their 2000 hit single “Butterfly,” which reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Crazy Town’s music combines elements of hip hop, rock, and pop, which contributed to their quick rise to fame in the early 2000s. Their debut album, The Gift of Game, released in 1999, achieved platinum status, driven largely by the success of “Butterfly.” Following their initial success, the band released a follow-up album, Darkhorse in 2002, which did not achieve the same level of commercial success, and the band disbanded shortly after. Crazy Town reformed in 2007 and has been active intermittently since then, releasing The Brimstone Sluggers in 2015.
Shifty Shellshock
Shifty Shellshock (Seth Binzer) is one of the co-founders of Crazy Town and serves as the lead vocalist. His distinctive voice and dynamic performance style were crucial in defining the band’s sound. Shellshock has been involved in all three of Crazy Town’s albums, contributing not only vocals but also to the songwriting process. Outside of Crazy Town, Shifty has pursued a solo career, releasing music independently and collaborating with other artists. He has also made appearances on various television shows, including reality TV programs that documented his struggles with substance abuse.
Bret Mazur
Bret Mazur, also known as Epic Mazur, co-founded Crazy Town and is the band’s primary producer and vocalist. Mazur’s background in music production and songwriting significantly shaped the band’s albums, with his work on The Gift of Game helping to craft the crossover appeal of their hit single “Butterfly.” Apart from his work with Crazy Town, Mazur has an extensive career in music production and songwriting, having worked with various artists across different genres.
Adam Bravin
Adam Bravin, also known by his stage name DJ Adam 12, is a newer member of Crazy Town, joining the band after their reformation. Bravin is known for his work as a DJ and producer, contributing electronic elements and turntablism to the band’s more recent works. His experience in the broader music scene includes performing and recording with the band She Wants Revenge, and DJing at high-profile events.
Charles Lopez
Charles Lopez, stage name DJ AM, was part of Crazy Town in its early years. As a DJ, his skills contributed to the band’s integration of turntable scratches and beats, enhancing their rap rock sound. DJ AM was with the band during the production of The Gift of Game but left the band before their mainstream success. He went on to become a celebrated DJ in the American music scene before his tragic death in 2009.
Adam Goldstein
Adam Goldstein, known professionally as DJ AM, was a member of Crazy Town during the early stages of the band. Like Charles Lopez, DJ AM brought significant DJ skills to the band, contributing to their debut album The Gift of Game. After leaving Crazy Town, DJ AM gained fame as a prominent DJ in the United States and collaborated with various artists across many genres until his untimely death in 2009.
Omar Gusmao
Omar Gusmao joined Crazy Town as a guitarist, contributing to the band’s heavier rock elements. He played with the band during their Darkhorse era, participating in the creation and tour of the album. Gusmao’s guitar work was integral in developing the more mature rock sound Crazy Town explored in this album. His presence brought a new level of musicianship to the band during a pivotal time as they attempted to diversify their sound beyond the rap-rock hits they were initially known for.
Hasma Angeleno
Hasma Angeleno served as a guitarist for Crazy Town, joining the band during its later stages. Angeleno’s contributions helped shape the band’s evolving musical style, particularly during live performances, enhancing their stage presence and rock credibility. His background in various rock and metal bands added a depth of experience to Crazy Town’s lineup, influencing their live sound dynamics and collaborative processes.
Doug Miller
Doug Miller was Crazy Town’s bassist, joining the lineup as the band sought to solidify its rhythm section. Miller’s experience in other rock and alternative bands contributed to his solid bass playing, which supported Crazy Town’s diverse musical explorations during his tenure. His ability to blend with both hip-hop beats and rock riffs helped maintain the band’s signature sound while allowing for musical growth.
Antonio Lorenzo Valli
Antonio Lorenzo Valli played drums for Crazy Town, joining during a period of reformation and rebranding. Valli’s drumming was crucial in live performances, bringing a vigorous energy that reinvigorated the band’s stage shows. His background in various musical genres provided Crazy Town with a versatile approach to rhythm, essential for a band known for blending different musical styles.
James Bradley Jr.
James Bradley Jr. is a drummer who played with Crazy Town in the early stages of their career. Bradley’s professional drumming skills enhanced Crazy Town’s recordings and live performances, contributing to the foundational development of their rhythmic style on The Gift of Game. His extensive experience as a session musician added a professional polish to the band’s debut efforts.
Kraig Tyler
Kraig Tyler joined Crazy Town as a guitarist and was known for his energetic performances and musical versatility. Tyler played a significant role during both the The Gift of Game and Darkhorse periods, contributing to the band’s sound with his robust guitar skills. Beyond his time with Crazy Town, Tyler has been involved in various musical projects, continuing to work in the music industry in various capacities, showcasing his broad talents across multiple genres.
Kyle Hollinger
Kyle Hollinger joined Crazy Town as the drummer, known for his dynamic playing style and technical proficiency. Hollinger’s involvement came during a transitional period for the band as they were exploring different sounds and attempting to revitalize their image. His drumming not only supported the band’s live performances but also influenced their studio recordings, adding a layer of polished, energetic drum tracks that complemented their evolving musical style. Beyond his tenure with Crazy Town, Hollinger has continued to work in the music industry, playing with various other bands and contributing to different music projects, enhancing his reputation as a versatile and skilled drummer.
Ahmad Alkurabi
Ahmad Alkurabi served as a guitarist for Crazy Town, bringing a fresh approach to the band’s string section. His tenure included touring and participating in several recording sessions. Alkurabi’s guitar work helped define the band’s sound during live performances, contributing to the overall energy and musicality of the group. Outside of Crazy Town, Ahmad has been involved in other musical endeavors, showcasing his guitar skills across a range of musical genres, which has helped broaden his experience and influence in the rock music scene.
Rick Dixon
Rick Dixon was involved with Crazy Town as a sound engineer and occasionally stepped in as a supporting musician during live tours. His main contribution was behind the scenes, where he played a critical role in shaping the sound quality of Crazy Town’s live performances and recordings. Dixon’s expertise in audio engineering ensured that the band’s unique sound was effectively captured and translated in both concert settings and studio environments. His technical skills have been vital in maintaining the band’s audio aesthetic and have been recognized in other music production roles outside the band.
Elias Tannous
Elias Tannous contributed to Crazy Town as a guitarist, known for his robust playing and musical adaptability. Joining during a period of extensive touring, Tannous helped enhance the band’s performances with his energetic stage presence and proficient guitar skills. His involvement was crucial in helping Crazy Town maintain a strong live performance identity. Outside of Crazy Town, Elias has engaged in various musical projects, continuing to develop his craft and collaborate with other artists in the music industry.
Roland Banks
Roland Banks played bass for Crazy Town, adding depth and rhythm to the band’s music. Banks’ bass playing was integral during live performances, where he provided the foundational groove necessary for their eclectic mix of rock, hip hop, and pop. His musical background and experience in different genres allowed him to seamlessly integrate into the band, supporting their dynamic performances. After his time with Crazy Town, Banks has continued to work in the music industry, participating in various projects that highlight his versatility and commitment to music.