Breaking: Sound Talent Group Co-Founder Dave Shapiro Dies In Plane Crash

Three Sound Talent Group employees including co-founder and agent Dave Shapiro died in a plane crash in San Diego Thursday morning, a shock to the industry and artist community.

UPDATE: Sound Talent Group, Families Share Additional Information On Those Who Perished In San Diego Crash

“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,” a spokesperson for Sound Talent Group said in a statement provided to Pollstar. “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.” After news of Shapiro’s passing was confirmed, The Devil Wears Prada shared that former drummer Daniel Williams also perished in the accident, as a passenger on the plane.

An Associated Press report Thursday morning says a private jet crashed into military housing in San Diego during foggy weather early Thursday, igniting cars parked along a suburban neighborhood block and killing multiple people on board the plane, authorities said.

More than 50 police officers were on the scene within minutes and began evacuating homes, with at least 100 residents displaced to an evacuation center at a nearby elementary school.

Shapiro, a well known and influential agent in the worlds of heavy rock and metalcore music, was a licensed pilot and flight instructor, known for taking trips to Alaska. He alongside colleagues Tim Borror and Matt Andersen formed Sound Talent Group in 2018, an independent talent agency that now numbers into more than 40 full time employees, and dozens of music clients including Pierce the Veil whose current U.S. headline tour moved more than 400,000 tickets.

“They’re some of my best friends and I actually officiated the singer’s wedding,” Shapiro told Pollstar on Monday from the agency’s New York office. The band performed at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night. “When we were younger we were all roommates and they’re actually the first band I ever booked. I have been booking them for 22 years.”

Other clients on Shapiro’s roster include Sum 41, Chiodos. Memphis May Fire, Sleeping With Sirens, Duff McKagan, Hanson and many others.

The news came as a shock to the artist and industry community, with multiple grieving “the loss of a titan” in the music community, and colleagues, friends and artists leaving tributes on social media.

Statement from NITO (National Independent Talent Organization): 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. His passion, dedication, and unwavering support for artists shaped the careers of countless musicians and helped elevate the live music experience for fans around the world. As a founding member of NITO, 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. Our sincerest condolences go out to Dave’s family, friends, and everyone at STG. This is a monumental loss to our community.

Danny Wimmer — On behalf of myself and the entire DWP family, we’re heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams. Their impact on this scene was profound, and this loss is felt deeply across our entire community. To everyone at Sound Talent Group and The Devil Wears Prada — our hearts are with you.

Pollstar is compiling tributes and news as it develops for further coverage.