San Diego, CA – The music world is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Dave Shapiro, a trailblazing music agent and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, who died in a devastating plane crash in San Diego’s Tierrasanta neighborhood on May 22, 2025. At just 42 years old, Shapiro’s vibrant life was cut short, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the careers of countless musicians and elevated the live music experience for fans worldwide. His passing, alongside two colleagues and others on board a Cessna 550, has sparked an outpouring of tributes from artists, fans, and industry peers who admired his passion, professionalism, and fearless spirit.
A Visionary in Music and Aviation
Dave Shapiro was more than a music agent; he was a visionary who left an indelible mark on the heavy metal and hard rock scene. As a co-founder of Sound Talent Group (STG), established in 2018 with partners Tim Borror and Matt Andersen, Shapiro represented some of the biggest names in music, including Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, Parkway Drive, Silverstein, and Hanson. His dedication to his artists was unmatched, fostering careers and creating unforgettable live experiences for audiences across the globe. A spokesperson for STG described him as a “visionary in the music industry” whose “passion, dedication, and unwavering support” transformed the industry.
Beyond music, Shapiro was an avid pilot and certified flight instructor with over 15 years of experience. He founded Velocity Aviation, a passion project that reflected his love for the skies. His adventurous spirit was evident in everything he did, from BASE jumping to aerobatic flying. A bio on his aviation website highlighted his lifelong love for flight, noting that “no matter what businesses Dave was involved in, the one constant has always been aviation.” Tragically, it was this passion that led to his final moments, as he was aboard the private plane that crashed shortly after takeoff from Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport.
The Tragic Crash
The crash occurred around 3:45 a.m. on May 22, 2025, when a Cessna 550 carrying six people plummeted into a residential street in San Diego’s Murphy Canyon neighborhood. The fiery impact ignited cars and homes, injuring eight people on the ground and causing significant damage to at least 10 properties. Federal authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are investigating the cause of the crash, but no definitive answers have been released. All six passengers, including Shapiro and former The Devil Wears Prada drummer Daniel Williams, are presumed dead.
The music community was quick to respond with grief and shock. Sound Talent Group released a statement expressing their devastation: “We are deeply saddened 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.” The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), of which Shapiro was a founding member, also mourned his loss, praising his role in navigating the live music industry through the challenges of the pandemic shutdown.
Tributes Pour In
Social media has been flooded with tributes from artists and fans alike, painting a picture of a man who was not only a powerhouse in the industry but also a beloved friend. Pop band Hanson, one of Shapiro’s clients, shared a heartfelt message on X: “Dave was fearless in life, tireless in his work, and the kind of friend you’d want on your speed dial. He was always excited for a new challenge.” The Word Alive, another band Shapiro represented, wrote, “Dave was one of the most influential and positive forces in our music scene and beyond.”
Photographer Jonathan Weiner shared a personal tribute on Instagram, reflecting on his decades-long friendship with Shapiro: “Few people have impacted my life in as many ways as Dave has. We first met with From Autumn to Ashes two lifetimes ago, and we’ve been friends ever since.” Fans echoed these sentiments, with one X user posting, “Heart goes out to Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams’ family and friends. What a f***ing tragedy this week has been.”
Shapiro’s adventurous spirit extended to his personal life. In 2016, he married his wife in a unique ceremony on a glacier in Denali National Park, Alaska, after landing on skis strapped to a plane’s wheels. His wife described their bond in a blog post, noting their shared love for “unconventional lifestyles” and a “constant need for adventure.”
A Lasting Legacy
Shapiro’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. Before co-founding Sound Talent Group, he worked as an agent at United Talent Agency and later founded Velocity Records, a label that further cemented his influence in the independent music scene. His ability to spot talent and nurture careers made him a trusted figure among artists. Bands like I Prevail, Set It Off, and The Amity Affliction owe much of their success to his guidance.
His contributions extended beyond individual artists. As a founding member of NITO, Shapiro played a crucial role in supporting the live music industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping countless peers navigate the shutdown’s challenges. His work with NITO ensured that independent artists and agents had a voice, solidifying his reputation as a leader who cared deeply about his community.
A Life of Fearless Passion
Shapiro’s life was defined by his fearless pursuit of passion, whether in music or aviation. His Instagram, under the handle @davevelocity, was filled with videos of him piloting planes, showcasing his love for flight. One of the last posts shared by Daniel Williams, who was also on the plane, showed Shapiro in the pilot’s seat, with the flight number matching the crashed Cessna.
The music agent’s adventurous spirit was well-known in the industry, with Billboard describing him as a “daredevil.” Whether he was booking tours for global acts or soaring through the skies, Shapiro lived life on his own terms. His aviation website proudly stated, “From BASE jumping to aerobatic flying, helicopters to twin engines, flight instructing to furthering his own education, it doesn’t matter to Dave as long as he gets to be in the sky.”
The Road Ahead
As the investigation into the crash continues, the music industry and Shapiro’s loved ones are left to grapple with an immense loss. The San Diego community is also recovering from the physical and emotional toll of the crash, which left homes damaged and residents shaken. Assistant Fire Chief Dan Eddy reported that the fire was quickly extinguished, but the impact on the neighborhood will linger.
For those who knew Shapiro, his absence will be felt deeply. His colleagues at Sound Talent Group are now tasked with carrying forward his vision, while artists and fans honor his memory through stories of his kindness, drive, and infectious enthusiasm. The outpouring of love on social media reflects the profound impact he had on so many lives.
A Call to Remember
Dave Shapiro’s story is one of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the things he loved. From the stages of sold-out concerts to the cockpit of a plane, he lived boldly and inspired others to do the same. As the music world mourns, his legacy serves as a reminder to chase dreams fearlessly and support those around you with unwavering dedication.
In the words of Hanson, “Today we are all mourning the tragic loss of our longtime friend and booking agent Dave Shapiro.” His light may have dimmed, but his influence will continue to shine through the artists he championed and the lives he touched.
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