Metropolis Records

Metropolis Records is devastated to announce the death of our founder and label owner, Dave Heckman.

July 30 2022

Metropolis Records is devastated to announce the death of our founder and label owner, Dave Heckman. Dave passed unexpectedly on Friday, July 29^th. Dave is survived by his wife Gail, and their two children, Colin and Nina. 

Dave also leaves behind an indelible mark on the world of underground music. Dave was a Penn State graduate with an MBA from Temple University, and had extensive experience in retail distribution, but more so, Dave loved music. In 1991 he and Gail opened Digital Underground, a music store near South Street in Philadelphia.  The store soon found a niche importing hard to find Industrial and Darkwave CDs from Europe

. This success inspired him to start Metropolis Records, and in 1993 he started the process of building a roster and partnerships with bands and labels overseas. Through the labels early, rapid growth, through the turbulence of the industry shifting towards digital, and so much more, Dave kept us going. His vision for the future of the company never wavered.

Underneath his almost larger than life personality, Dave was someone who had heart and drive to do the best he could for his artists, employees, and music in general. 

Dave loved us.

To our family of artists, our partners, and our friends: 

We will be reaching out to you as soon as we are able. This is all so emotionally overwhelming for us. 

As always, feel free to contact Jim, Jerry, Athan, or Gary if you need anything, or have any questions. Gail is also responding to Dave’s emails, texts, and phone calls for the time being.

Rest assured that we are in more than capable hands. Gail, who built and her own highly successful company. and has at times been a silent partner in Metropolis, will keep us going strong. 

Gail, Jim, Jerry, Athan, and Gary will be dedicated to continuing Dave’s legacy and keeping Metropolis going. We have wonderful distribution partnerships, and we plan to build on our other artist support network. 

We need a breath. We need to grieve. We are heartbroken.

On a personal note, Dave was so much more than Metropolis. He was a mentor, a friend, a confidant, a father figure. We will miss him immeasurably. 

Thank you, Dave. for everything. 

We love you.

From the entire Metropolis Records Family:
Gail, Colin, Nina, Jim, Jerry, Athan, Gary