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.
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.
Dave Shapiro was married
Extending heartfelt condolences to Shapiro’s family, friends and members of his STG family, the NITO rep called his death a “monumental loss to our community.” His defunct Instagram feed boasts a good number of his wife, Julia Shapiro (@juliohhh on IG), aka Julia Pawlik, a forensic scientist from Perth, Australia. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the couple crossed paths thanks to a friend at the Self Help Music Festival years ago.
With over 15 years of flying experience, Dave Shapiro loved the sky
Beyond his love for music, the adventuring-seeking 42-year-old was passionate about flying. Federal Aviation Administration records indicated that he was registered pilot, flight instructor and ground instructor. It remains unclear if Shapiro was manning the control during the crash. The private jet at the centre of the San Diego tragedy was registered to his name, according to NBC San Diego.
As per his bio above a rather inactive Instagram feed suggests, the longtime aviator also founded Velocity Aviation, which is a full service aviation business. Its official website says, “As a young executive in the music business in 2005, the then 22 year old, had earned a small amount of discretionary income for the first time in his life and the very first thing he did was took an intro flight.”
Velocity Aviation offers wide-ranging services, including a professional safe flight school, ferry flights, aircraft leasing, aircraft sales consulting, scenic flights and more. “From BASE jumping to aerobatic flying, Helicopters to twin engines, flight instructing to furthering his own education, doesn’t matter to Dave as long as he gets to be in the sky,” the website details the late veteran agent’s thrill-seeking interests.
Dave Shapiro death: Tributes
Social media was quickly consumed by tributes pouring in from all directions as fans of the heavy rock and alternative music scene mourned his tragic passing.
Pop band Hanson members took to their official X to honour Dave’s legacy. “Today we are all mourning the tragic loss of our longtime friends and booking agent Dave Shapiro. Dave was fearless in life, and tireless in his work, and the kind of friend you would want on your speed dial, @hansonmusic tweeted. “Dave seemed to always be working on a new endeavor, or to be going on a new adventure, because he was always excited for a new challenge. We are grateful for the 15 years we knew him. Our hearts go out to Dave’s family and the team at Sound Talent Group.”
Today we are all mourning the tragic loss of our longtime friend and booking agent Dave Shapiro. Dave was fearless in life, and tireless in his work, and the kind of friend you would want on your speed dial. Dave seemed to always be working on a new endeavor, or to be going on a… pic.twitter.com/HO7cm8Aew0
— HANSON (@hansonmusic) May 23, 2025
Fit for a King vocalist Ryan Joseph Kirby also paid tribute to the agent’s influential post in the music industry: “People don’t understand how much of an impact Dave Shapiro had on the alternative music scene. RIP, you truly made this scene a better place, it’s going to be really hard without you.”
Former Palisades vocalist Lou Miceli Jr joined the rest in celebrating his legacy: “Most likely your favourite band worked in some way, shape or form with Dave Shapiro. His name was synonymous with the scene. My heart breaks for everyone lost in this tragic accident.”
Rest in Peace, Dave Shapiro, “a true scene legend who opened doors for countless emo kids in the industry.”
In an X post, podcast State of the Scene wrote: “Heart goes out to Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams’ family and friends. What a f***ing tragedy this week has been.”
This is a developing story.