Music Executive Dave Shapiro Dies in Plane Crash

A serene tribute to music and legacy in San Diego.

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News Summary

The music industry is grieving the unexpected loss of Dave Shapiro, a noted music executive and co-founder of Sound Talent Group, who tragically died in a plane crash at the age of 42. Along with two employees, Shapiro’s plane went down in San Diego. Known for his advocacy of independent musicians and his contributions to the genres of heavy metal and hard rock, his passing has left a significant void. His legacy includes the co-founding of a talent agency, a flight school, and cherished relationships with artists.

Music Executive Dave Shapiro Dies in Plane Crash

In a tragic turn of events, the music world is mourning the loss of Dave Shapiro, a well-respected music executive known for his remarkable contributions to the heavy metal and hard rock genres. Shapiro, only 42 years old, tragically lost his life in a plane crash that occurred on a Thursday morning in San Diego.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that Shapiro was a licensed pilot and was the registered owner of the plane involved in this unfortunate accident. Along with him, two of his employees were on board and also lost their lives. An industry-wide sense of grief has settled in as the talent agency he co-founded, Sound Talent Group, released a public statement expressing their devastation over the significant loss.

A Life Dedicated to Music

Shapiro was not just any music executive; he was a trailblazer in promoting independent musicians. He co-founded Sound Talent Group in 2018 alongside Tim Borror and Matt Andersen, a venture through which they represented a diverse roster of alternative bands such as Hanson, Pierce The Veil, Parkway Drive, Sum 41, and Vanessa Carlton. Recognized early in his career, he made it to Billboard’s 2012 “30 Under 30” list, showcasing his early influence within the entertainment industry.

Industry insiders have credited Shapiro with paving the way for independent agencies and helping alternative bands transition into the mainstream. His advocacy for independent musicians was exemplified by his co-founding of the National Independent Talent Organization, where he worked tirelessly to support artists who were often overlooked. During a podcast in 2021, Shapiro emphasized that loving what you do leads to enhanced job performance — a philosophy that resonated with many aspiring musicians and executives alike.

From Music to Aviation

Shapiro’s passion stemmed from his roots in upstate New York, where he was raised within the “straightedge hard-core” scene promoting a lifestyle free from drugs and alcohol. This commitment to discipline led him to form a band in high school that caught the attention of Victory Records right after graduation. It was during these formative years that he built invaluable connections in the industry.

At the age of 22, he fell in love with aviation after taking his first flight. This love was more than a hobby; he combined his music career with flying by opening a flight school named Velocity Aviation and even a record label called Velocity Records. His office was uniquely set up in a hangar in San Diego, and he offered flights in both San Diego and Homer, Alaska, where he and his wife, Julia Pawlik Shapiro, owned a home.

A Life Full of Adventure

The couple chose an extraordinary location for their wedding ceremony in 2016, flying to a glacier in Denali National Park to land on skis for a truly unforgettable moment. Shapiro continued pursuing his love for aviation, obtaining his airline transport pilot rating in 2019, the highest level of pilot certification in the U.S. His adventurous spirit was well-known, drawing him to thrilling pursuits like base-jumping.

Numerous tributes from industry colleagues have painted a picture of Shapiro as a warm and genuine person who took a special interest in helping lesser-known bands gain recognition. His connection with artists wasn’t merely professional; it often evolved into lasting friendships that deeply impacted those he worked with, including moments of personal support during challenging times.

As he is remembered, the music industry reflects on Shapiro’s significant contributions and the bright future he was building for independent artists. His legacy, marked by a genuine passion for music and a zest for adventure, will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of many.