Dave Shapiro, the co-founder of a music agency whose roster includes the Canadian bands Sum 41 and Silverstein, was among the victims of a plane crash in听California early Thursday morning.
(STG) confirmed that Shapiro, 42, was one of three of its employees who were killed when a private plane crashed into a San Diego neighbourhood.听
“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,” read a statement released by STG on Thursday afternoon. “Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today’s tragedy.”
Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley told the Associated Press that Shapiro helped build the rock band back up during a 鈥渓ow point鈥 in their career.听
鈥淗is opinion mattered so much to me,鈥 Whibley said. 鈥淗e was that guy I would go to for advice on things.鈥
During their last conversation, Shapiro had flown out in his new plane to see the pop-punk band’s听induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame听in March.听
Shapiro is listed as the owner of the plane and has a pilot鈥檚 licence,听according to the Federal Aviation Administration.听The agency did not share the names of the other victims.
STG was founded in 2018 by Shapiro, a veteran talent agent, alongside Tim Borror and Matt Anderson. The agency’s roster boasts over 400 artists across a variety of genres. In addition to Sum 41, STG also represents Vanessa Carlton, Opeth,听Lamb of God, Built to Spill and others.
“We lost one of the best people ever,” Shane Told, vocalist for the Ontario post-hardcore band Silverstein . “I watched Dave go from drummer and merch guy to entrepreneur and one of the most important people in the industry. But along the way he was first and foremost a friend.”
Shapiro grew up in upstate New York in the 鈥渟traightedge hard-core鈥 scene, a subculture that promotes not using drugs and alcohol in reaction to mainstream punk.
In addition to his love for music, Shapiro was also an avid pilot with more than a decade of flying experience,听听He owned a flight school called Velocity Aviation and a record label, Velocity Records.
“Dave was fearless in life, and tireless in his work, and the kind of friend you would want on your speed dial,” the band Hanson . “Our hearts go out to Dave鈥檚 family and the team at Sound Talent Group.”
Metal drummer Daniel Williams also among the victims
A second victim of the crash was Daniel Williams, 39, a former drummer for the American metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. The band confirmed the news with an Instagram post on Thursday, with the caption: “We owe you everything. Love you forever.”
View this post on Instagram
Williams was a founding member of the band, which formed in 2005. He left the band in 2016, and began working for the American tech company GoPro. Just one week before his death,
Prior to the crash, Williams from the cockpit of Shapiro’s plane, writing ” 鈥 I’m the (co) pilot) now.”
“My heart is shattered in pieces,” Jeremy DePoyster, singer and guitarist for The Devil Wears Prada 听“You inspired me every day. You gave me everything I have in my life. You mentored me through the toughest moments and you showed up in the most random places unannounced because you loved the surprise.”
“Huge your friends and tell them you love them,” he added.
Artists and friends pay tribute to the Shapiro and Williams
RIP Dave Shapiro 鉂わ笍
鈥 Drug Church (@DrugChurch)
You changed the lives of so many people. Dave Shapiro forever. xxx
鈥 sarah (@coffeeetrash)
Damn dude. RIP Daniel Williams. Always had the time of day to talk or take a pic in the probably 15 times I saw Prada between 06 and 鈥13. Just a great guy and TDWP still remains my favorite band to this day. The drums on Plagues blew my mind when it came out & nothings changed馃挃
鈥 Sonny (@sonnnyofficial)
This one hurts alot Daniel Williams was and is my favorite drummer of all time and the reason I started playing double bass drumming.his creativity and fill work was insane I can't believe he's gone:( I'll never forget how nice and kind he waseverytime I met him Rest In Peace man
鈥 Daniel HANNA (@3cde0df4def2409)
With files from the Associated Press.
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