NEW YORK (AP) - The alternative music community is mourning the loss of several influential figures following a tragic plane crash in San Diego. A private jet, encountering foggy weather, collided with a power line early Thursday, resulting in multiple fatalities on board.
Among those killed was music executive Dave Shapiro, known for his impact on the alternative music scene, and Daniel Williams, the former drummer for the popular Ohio metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. Additionally, two employees from Shapiro's Sound Talent Group agency—Kendall Fortner, 24, and Emma Huke, 25—also lost their lives in the crash.
Shapiro, 42, was a significant figure in rock music, and both he and Williams epitomized success stories within their respective scenes, demonstrating that alternative sounds could achieve mainstream appeal. Williams' band recorded two albums that reached the Top 10 on the Billboard 200, and he co-founded Sound Talent Group in 2018 alongside agents Tim Borror and Matt Andersen, both of whom had prior experience with major agencies such as the Agency Group and United Talent Agency.
Sound Talent Group represented a variety of bands across multiple sub-genres, focusing on pop-punk, metalcore, and post-hardcore. Notable acts on their roster included Sum 41, Pierce the Veil, Parkway Drive, and the 1990s pop band Hanson, known for their hit "MMMBop."
The post-hardcore band Thursday noted that Shapiro was an inspiration who remained connected to the communities that fostered his success. The band Pierce the Veil, currently on tour with a sold-out concert in Madison Square Garden, also expressed the profound impact Shapiro had on the music community through their tribute on social media platform X.
Another band signed to Shapiro's label, The World Alive, described him as one of the most influential and positive forces in the music scene. Reflecting on the evolution of alternative music since its roots in punk rock in the late 1970s, Thomas Gutches, manager of Beartooth and Archetypes Collide, reminisced about the early DIY shows where bands like The Devil Wears Prada began their careers in Columbus, Ohio, playing to audiences for just $5.
Shapiro was recognized for his ability to elevate emerging talent in the music industry, fostering a new generation of bands and helping them reach larger audiences. This was particularly prominent during the 2000s and 2010s, when previously underground acts gained mainstream popularity through platforms like MySpace and venues like Hot Topic.
Mike Shea, founder of Alternative Press, emphasized Shapiro's role in connecting punk rock subcultures with mainstream music, referring to him as a guiding light in an industry often tainted by exploitation. His integrity and support extended beyond musicians to booking agents and tour managers, many of whom owed their successes to Shapiro’s mentorship.
The bands represented by Shapiro included many of the most prominent names in the genre, such as the Grammy-nominated Sum 41 and platinum-selling Pierce the Veil. The Devil Wears Prada, during Williams’ tenure, was noted for their blend of melodic punk rock and heavy metal influences, which contributed to their breakout success.
Tributes continue to pour in for both Shapiro and Williams, as more artists share their stories of impact and inspiration. Skyler Acord, bassist for metalcore band Issues, expressed the significance Shapiro had on his professional life, highlighting a phrase their band used to remind each other to remain grounded: "Do it for Dave."
This tragic event has left a significant void in the alternative music community, as it remembers the profound contributions of these key figures.
