Dave Shapiro—a well-respected music industry executive who opened doors for hundreds of alternative artists in the scene—has tragically passed away today, May 22, 2025, in a small jet plane crash in San Diego, CA. He had just turned 42 years old in January.
A godfather of the scene, Shapiro was a driving force in the world of artist management, booking, and touring. As a co-founder of Sound Talent Group and owner of Velocity Records, he helped guide the careers of countless alternative artists. His vision, tireless drive, and deep respect for musicians made him a beloved professional and trusted voice within the community. Although he was not on the front-facing end of the industry, he offered guidance and support to hundreds of artists, including Craig Owens, Pierce The Veil, A Day To Remember, PVRIS, Thursday, Anthony Green, Armor For Sleep, August Burns Red, Free Throw, Hail The Sun, among others.
Support and condolences have begun pouring out of the industry to express their sadness and gratitude regarding this tremendous loss.
Warped Tour founder, Kevin Lyman, shares on Instagram, “RIP My good friend, we always did good business but I will mostly remember our adventures outside of the parking lots!”
Workshop Management founder/CEO and Sad Summer Fest co-founder Josh Terry writes, “Very sad day hearing the news about Dave Shapiro. Always beyond kind & helpful throughout the 20 plus years I’ve known him. Rest easy my friend.”
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Legacy Music Group owner/CEO and So What Music Festival founder Mike Ziemer shares a lengthy tribute, writing, “In 2004, Dave Shapiro was working at Equal Vision and took a chance on me, selling me my first touring shows and officially making me a legitimate promoter. The first tour was Acceptance, Gatsby’s American Dream, Bear vs Shark. The second was a tour with Before Today, who would later become Pierce The Veil. Before anyone else gave me a chance, Dave gave me a chance…”
His post continues, “Dave was coming back from Pierce The Veil at MSG, possibly one of the biggest career accomplishments for the band he believed in from day one… If you didn’t know Dave, you knew his bands… Thank you for everything, Dave. Love and appreciate everything you did for me.”
Mike Cubillos, Earshot Media owner/publicist, shares, “I worked with Dave Shapiro a lot during my Rise Records days (where I also handled press for his Velocity Record imprint). We lost touch over the years, but I’m very sad and sorry to hear about his passing. RIP good man.”
Rain City Drive bassist Colin Vieira writes on Instagram, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for this music industry and beyond the music industry Dave. You will be forever missed and never forgotten.”
Circa Survive guitarist writes, “Thank you for everything Dave. You were truly one of the kindest people I ever met in the music world. I appreciate everything you did for us. It mean[s] the world that you continued to check in on me even after my travel days were gone. Love you brother.”
The entire idobi team sends our deepest gratitude to Dave Shapiro for every path he paved for music professionals and artists alike. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family during this unimaginable time.
