Fri May 23 07:54:15 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Dave Shapiro, a prominent and influential music executive known for his work with alternative rock, metalcore, and pop-punk bands, died in a plane crash in San Diego at the age of 42. Shapiro was the co-founder of Sound Talent Group and a strong advocate for independent musicians. He was also a passionate pilot, owning a flight school and often combining his love of music and aviation. The crash, which also killed two Sound Talent Group employees, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from artists and industry colleagues, who remember him as a genuine, supportive, and highly respected figure.

**News Article:**

**Music Executive Dave Shapiro Dies in Plane Crash**

*San Diego, CA (May 23, 2025)* – Dave Shapiro, a leading figure in the heavy metal and hard rock music scene, died in a plane crash Thursday morning in San Diego. He was 42 years old.

Shapiro, co-founder of the Sound Talent Group, was identified as the owner and pilot of the aircraft, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The agency confirmed his death along with two Sound Talent Group employees.

“We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends,” the agency said in a statement.

Known for his advocacy of independent musicians, Shapiro co-founded Sound Talent Group in 2018 alongside Tim Borror and Matt Andersen. The agency represents a diverse roster of alternative bands spanning pop-punk, metalcore, post-hardcore, and other hard rock genres, including Hanson, Pierce The Veil, Parkway Drive, Sum 41, and Vanessa Carlton.

Shapiro was a driving force for independent talent and a co-founder of the National Independent Talent Organization. His contributions to the industry earned him a spot on Billboard’s “30 Under 30” list in 2012.

Beyond music, Shapiro was a passionate aviator. He owned Velocity Aviation, a flight school, and held an airline transport pilot rating, the highest level of certification. He often combined his two passions, even operating a talent agency office at a hangar in San Diego.

News of Shapiro’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from musicians and industry professionals. Dayna Ghiraldi-Travers, founder of Big Picture Media, described him as “warm, genuine and someone who helped little-known bands put their names on the map.” Nate Blasdell, formerly of I Set My Friends on Fire, called Shapiro “the best in the game and one of the most respected people in the industry.” Sum 41 singer Deryck Whibley credited Shapiro with helping rebuild the band during a challenging period.

Shapiro is survived by his wife, Julia Pawlik Shapiro. Details regarding the cause of the crash are currently under investigation.

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