Pierce The Veil Honors Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams After Tragic Plane Crash

Pierce The Veil pays heartfelt tribute to Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams, mourning their loss in a fatal plane crash that shook the music community.

Tragic Loss Strikes the Music World

The alternative rock community has been deeply shaken after Pierce The Veil’s longtime manager and agent, Dave Shapiro, tragically died in a plane crash on Thursday. Shapiro was aboard a private Cessna 550 jet that crashed in the Murphy Canyon area of San Diego, California, while attempting to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. He was just 42 years old.

Also among the victims was Daniel Williams, the former drummer of The Devil Wears Prada, along with software engineer Dominic Damien, booking agents Kendall Fortner and Emma Huke, and photographer Celina Kenyon. This heartbreaking event has left a huge void in the music scene.

Dave Shapiro: A Pillar of the Alternative Music Scene

Dave Shapiro was a beloved agent who represented a wide array of prominent bands such as Sum 41, Pierce The Veil, I Prevail, Set It Off, Story of the Year, Silverstein, Parkway Drive, Northlane, The Amity Affliction, and more. His contributions helped shape the careers of many artists, making him a respected and cherished figure in the industry.

A spokesperson for his agency, Sound Talent Group, expressed their devastation in a statement:

“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends. 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.”

Pierce The Veil’s Personal Tribute to Dave Shapiro

Pierce The Veil shared an emotional tribute to their close friend and manager, Dave Shapiro, highlighting the profound impact he had on their lives and careers:

“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 their origins with Shapiro, who booked them early in their career and remained a supportive presence ever since:

“We started working together nearly twenty years ago, when we were all in our early twenties — I think Jaime might have even been 19. Dave had just left his band, Count the Stars, and started booking for Equal Vision Records. We were the first band he ever booked, and we haven’t left each other’s side since. 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.”

Remembering Dave’s Spirit and Legacy

The band described Dave’s love for friendship and his dedication to the people around him:

“Friendship meant everything to Dave. He loved being around people and never wanted the excitement to end. He fought hard for the people he loved and wanted everyone around him to succeed. 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.”

They added a heartfelt farewell:

“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. Our hearts go out to your wife, family, and the friends you loved so dearly. We’re also holding close the families of the colleagues and dear friends we lost in the crash as well. Rest in peace.”

Other Tributes in the Music Community

Following this tragedy, Sleeping With Sirens paid their respects during a Long Island show by performing Shapiro’s favorite song, Fire. They shared on social media:

“Our show in Long Island was one of the hardest shows we’ve ever played.
‘Fire’ was Dave’s favorite song. We played it for him and for everyone we lost.
This one was for you, Dave. For all of you. We miss you more than words can say.”

— Sleeping With Sirens

Other artists and bands have also expressed their sorrow and respect:

• DAYSEEKER tweeted: “Dave Shapiro x Daniel Williams forever ♥”
• Ryan Joseph Kirby reflected on Dave’s immense impact on the alternative scene.
• The Amity Affliction shared their heartbreak and gratitude for Dave’s nearly 20 years of dedication.
• Fearless Records mourned the loss of a “longtime friend & champion” who brought positivity and passion to the industry.

Even The Word Alive and Hanson joined in paying tribute to Dave Shapiro’s enduring legacy.

Reflecting on a Life Well Lived

This tragic accident has reminded the music community of the preciousness of life and the deep connections forged over years of collaboration and friendship. Dave Shapiro’s dedication and love for the artists he worked with will never be forgotten.

“Friendship meant everything to Dave. He loved being around people and never wanted the excitement to end.”
— Pierce The Veil

FAQs

• Who was Dave Shapiro?
  Dave Shapiro was a renowned music agent and manager known for representing numerous alternative bands, including Pierce The Veil.
• What happened in the San Diego plane crash?
  A private Cessna 550 jet crashed near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport while attempting to land, resulting in several fatalities including Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams.
• Which bands did Dave Shapiro work with?
  He worked with bands such as Sum 41, Pierce The Veil, I Prevail, Set It Off, Story of the Year, Parkway Drive, and others.
• How did Pierce The Veil honor Dave Shapiro?
  They paid tribute by sharing stories, memories, and dedicating future performances to his memory.
• Did other artists pay tribute to Dave Shapiro?
  Yes, artists like Sleeping With Sirens, DAYSEEKER, The Amity Affliction, and Fearless Records publicly expressed their condolences and tributes.

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