Who was Dave Shapiro? Iconic music agent killed in San Diego plane crash

 

Dave Shapiro, a music industry titan indispensable to the heavy rock scene, sadly died in a plane crash in San Diego, California, early Thursday morning. The 42-year-old reputable music agent, whose clients have included heavy-weight rock bands like Pierce the Veil, Sum 41 and Story of the Year, pop band Hanson, and singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, over the years was among the six people on board the small private jet that went up in flames in Murphy Canyon, a military neighbourhood.

Shapiro wasn’t the only one attached to music agency Sound Talent Agency, which he co-founded, on the plane. Two other unnamed employees accompanied him during the journey. They, too, have been presumed dead while official confirmations and identification have yet to be revealed. A spokesperson for the company has since issued a written statement, saying that the agency lost all three of its employees in the deadly crash. “We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends. Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy. Thank you so much for respecting their privacy at this time,” the rep said. The music agency has offices in San Diego, New York and Nashville. ALSO READ Who is Elias Rodriguez? Sole suspect in DC Jewish Museum shooting that killed 2 Israeli embassy staffers Who is Dave Shapiro? The Sound Talent co-founder helped kick the company off the ground in 2018 with Tim Borror and Matt Andersen after their time at the Agency Group and United Talent Agency, according to Variety. In addition to the aforementioned artists and groups, Shapiro’s client roster also included Eve 6, I Prevail, Set It Off, Silverstein and Parkway Drive. The 42-year-old music industry titan was also a founding member of the National Independent Organisation (NITO). A spokesperson for the collective commented in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dave Shapiro and his two colleagues. Dave was a visionary in the music industry and a founding partner of Sound Talent Group.” The statement also foregrounded that the music agent’s passion, dedication and unwavering support was instrumental in shaping the careers of countless musicians. His commitment to his profession and artists assisted in boosting the live music experience for global audiences. “As a founding member of NIT0, Dave was instrumental in the initial formation and funding of the organization and assisted countless of our peers successfully navigate the pandemic shutdown of live music.” His music expertise even translated into his operations at the Velocity Records music label, whose clientele included Concrete Castles, Craig Owens and Thursday. “Emo” fans are especially familiar with Shapiro’s legendary track record owing to his lifelong support to independent music reaching far beyond mainstream focus.