🎸 Pierce the Veil Pay Emotional Tribute to Manager Dave Shapiro After Tragic Plane Crash
The rock and alternative music world is mourning a heartbreaking loss this week. Beloved music manager, agent, and industry pillar Dave Shapiro tragically passed away in a plane crash on the morning of Thursday, May 22. He was just 45.
Shapiro was traveling aboard his private Cessna 550 jet, which went down in the Murphy Canyon area of San Diego, California, as it approached Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Also confirmed among the casualties was Daniel Williams, the former drummer of metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada.
🎤 A Deep Loss for the Music Community
Dave Shapiro was more than just a name behind the scenes — he was a foundational force in the music industry. From his early days at Equal Vision Records, to founding his own label Velocity Records, and later co-founding Sound Talent Group in 2018, Shapiro was instrumental in shaping the careers of countless bands and artists.
Over the years, he worked with many of the biggest names in rock, punk, and metal — earning not only professional respect but deep personal bonds with those he represented.
đź–¤ A Brother to Pierce the Veil
Among those closest to Shapiro was Pierce the Veil, who shared a profound friendship and working relationship with him spanning nearly two decades. The band, heartbroken by his sudden loss, shared a touching and heartfelt tribute via social media on May 23, just a day after the crash.
“We lost our longtime agent, manager, and dear friend Dave Shapiro in a tragic plane accident on Thursday morning, along with other close colleagues and friends. It’s hard to put into words how much this man meant to so many of us. He made a profound impact in such a short time and touched countless lives around the world.”
The band recalled first meeting Shapiro when they were just starting out — still in their early 20s — and how he had just transitioned out of his own band, Count the Stars, to begin booking for Equal Vision. Pierce the Veil was the very first band he ever booked — a partnership that would evolve into a lifelong friendship.
“We even lived at Dave’s house between tours when we needed a place to stay, not just because we were broke, but because we just loved being around each other. He always looked out for us, no matter what.”
đź’¬ A Legacy of Love, Loyalty, and Laughter
What made Shapiro truly special, beyond his professional achievements, was his character. Pierce the Veil remembered him as someone who championed friendship, fought fiercely for the people he loved, and never let the spark of joy and excitement die out.
“He taught us the importance of growing roots in this industry and showed us that longevity is the key to building a real career in music. We owe him everything.”
Their tribute ends on an emotional note that captures the magnitude of the loss:
“Dave, we’re really gonna miss you. You were taken from us too soon. Thank you for giving us everything you had while you were here. Every time we take the stage, it will be in your memory.”
The band also extended their thoughts to Shapiro’s wife and family, as well as the loved ones of the other individuals lost in the crash.
đź•Š Remembering Dave Shapiro
Dave Shapiro leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of passion, dedication, and love for music and people. His sudden passing is a reminder of how fragile life is — and how much of a difference one person can make in an industry and in so many hearts.
From packed arenas to the deepest friendships, his spirit will continue to echo through the music he helped bring into the world.
Rest in peace, Dave. You’ll never be forgotten.