Remembering Dave Shapiro: A Force of Nature in the Alternative Music World
When someone like Dave Shapiro leaves this world, the silence echoes in our inboxes. He wasn’t just an industry giant. He was a mentor, a friend, and a fearless champion of artists. Dave didn’t just book tours; he built careers. His belief in the underdog changed lives, and his impact runs deep across the entire alternative music scene. This tribute is about more than what he achieved, it’s about who he was.
By Delanee Wilson @ M23 Media Agency / May 22, 2025
We’re heartbroken when we learned the devastating news that Dave Shapiro, the trailblazing music executive who reshaped the landscape of heavy music and fiercely championed independent artists, tragically passed away in a plane crash on Thursday morning in San Diego.
Dave wasn’t just a co-founder of Sound Talent Group or a powerhouse booking agent, he was the kind of person who made time for the underdog band in the back of the room, just as much as he did for the headliners. His agency confirmed that two of his team members also lost their lives in the crash. Our hearts are with their families, their friends, and the countless artists whose lives were forever changed by Dave’s belief in them.
“Dave Shapiro wasn’t just a visionary, he was a lifeline for so many artists and teams trying to break through the noise. He led with instinct, integrity, and heart, and his impact on the live music world is immeasurable. In my career, I looked up to him not just as a pioneer in independent touring, but as the kind of person who made this industry feel like family. His legacy will live on in every artist he championed and every dream he helped make real.”
In a world where so many play it safe, Dave didn’t. He co-founded STG in 2018 with Tim Borror and Matt Andersen, and together they built a roster that spoke directly to the hearts of fans in the alternative, pop-punk, metalcore, and hard rock communities. From Pierce The Veil to Sum 41, Parkway Drive, and even Vanessa Carlton, Dave’s ear was eclectic and his passion for great music knew no boundaries.
He also helped create the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), fighting for indie agents and artists to have a seat at the table. He made Billboard’s “30 Under 30” list in 2012, and he didn’t stop earning respect long after the spotlight moved on.
One of our favorite quotes from Dave, taken from a 2021 podcast, says everything you need to know about his approach to life and work:
“Finding something you love to do is only going to make you do a better job because you actually care. You’re not just showing up for the paycheck… This is part of living your life if you really love it.”
He lived his life that way, whether he was booking a tour, mentoring an artist, or flying his own plane. Aviation wasn’t just a hobby; it was his sanctuary. Dave earned the highest pilot certification in the U.S., and even opened an office in a San Diego hangar to stay close to the skies. He also owned Velocity Records and his own flight school, Velocity Aviation.
Dave and his wife Julia shared a life full of adventure. They got married on a glacier in Alaska because of course they did. It was the most “Dave” thing ever: flying a small plane, skis strapped to the landing gear, just to say “I do” on top of the world.
To the artists who knew him, Dave wasn’t just an agent. He was family. Pierce The Veil called him the first person who ever booked them, and remembered crashing at his house between tours just because they genuinely loved being around him.
Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley shared that Dave helped rebuild the band during a tough time. “His opinion mattered so much to me,” he said. The last time they talked, Dave had flown in to see their Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction. He told Deryck: “Me and my wife, we’re going to fly to you. We’re going to pick you up and go somewhere crazy for lunch.”
That was Dave. A dreamer. A doer. A connector. A kind, whip-smart, fiercely loyal force in the music world and beyond.
From all of us at M23, we send our deepest love to his family, friends, and the entire Sound Talent Group team. Thank you, Dave, for what you gave to this community. Your energy will live on in every sold-out room, every stage built from scratch, and every young artist chasing their shot…because you proved it was possible.
Fly high, Dave. We’ll keep the music going.