In memoriam SHIFTY SHELLSHOCK (CRAZYTOWN)
CrazyTown founding member Shifty Shellshock died on June 24, 2024 at the age of 49. The charismatic singer had been struggling with drug problems for years and finally succumbed to addiction in the form of an overdose.
The alternative rap-rock formation CrazyTown became known above all for their song “Butterfly” (from their album “The Gift of Game”), which released its big number 1 hit single two years after it was founded in March 2001. It features a sample of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, with whom the band once toured. In 2003, the band broke up and Shifty released a solo album.
Watch the video for “Crazy Town” here, which has more than 239 million views:
In memory of the musician, we recall an interview taken from our November 2015 issue. It was a tattoo special.
Orkus: How and when did you first notice tattoos in your environment?
Shifty Shellshock: As a teenager I used to go skateboarding down at Venice Beach …
O: And when did you decide to get a tattoo?
SS: All the skaters I admired were tattooed, I couldn’t wait to get my own.
O: What was the first tattoo you got?
SS: A hemp leaf on the right arm.
O: How old were you then?
SS: 18.
O: What did your parents say?
SS: I’m an idiot.
O: How excited were you when it came to getting your first tattoo?
SS: It was a big deal.
O: So how did it feel to be tattooed?
SS: It really wasn’t bad at all …
O: What was the last tattoo you got?
SS: The mandala on the right side of my head … from my good friend Boo Boo Negrete at Shamrock Social Club.
O: What other tattoos are on the agenda for the future?
SS: I’m getting my whole skull tattooed now.
O: What is your favorite tattoo at the moment?
SS: The Licensed To Ill airplane at the bottom of the back of my head, also by Boo Boo Negrete.
O: Do you regret any of your tattoos?
SS: Nope.
O: Where would you never get a tattoo?
SS: Probably on my cock, but you never know.
O: What has been the most painful part so far?
SS: My ribs.
O: To what extent are you still excited and nervous before getting a new tattoo?
SS: Excited, yes.
O: Please tell us the real story behind some of your tattoos.
SS: Well, as for the Beastie Boys flyer: Licensed To Ill is my favorite album of all time… A classic… I got this design done by Boo Boo Negrete in the Shamrock Social Club boothat MusInk Festival last year. We decided not to finish it on the same evening because otherwise we would have missed the Transplants’ performance … “Halo” on the back of my neck is the name of my son, who can also be seen next to me in one of the photos …
O: How do you feel about other body modifications? What fascinates you, but you don’t quite dare to do it yet?
SS: I wear dermal implants – well, one in my face was ripped out when I was dragging a washing machine up the stairs. I still have one on my chest.
O: Do you have a regular tattoo artist?
SS: Boo Boo Negrete and Mark Mahoney.
O: Which other tattoo artist would you like to go to?
SS: Richie Bon and Freddy Negrete.
O: Life without tattoos is …?
SS: Boring.
