Marco Soccoli Obituary, New York NY Death: It is with profound sorrow and immeasurable grief that we share the passing of Marco Soccoli, a beloved and revered figure in the global drumming and music community. Marco passed away in New York, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the bounds of any single title or accolade. He was more than an Artist Relations Director, more than a trusted consultant, more than a musician—Marco was the heartbeat behind countless beats. A mentor, a friend, a rock to so many.
Marco was the Director of Artist Relations at Drumkeyshop, and had previously held esteemed roles with Meethook, D’Addario, Evans, Promark, Vic Firth, Sonor, and Mapex. He had one of the most recognizable names in the artist relations world, having built lasting relationships with some of the most iconic drummers of our time. Yet to those who knew him, he was never just a name—he was Marco: warm, wise, hilarious, and unwaveringly supportive.
Educated at St. John’s University, Marco combined his deep knowledge of music with a magnetic personality and an unmatched passion for drums and drummers. He didn’t just work in the industry—he lived it. He breathed it. He was often the first to believe in an up-and-coming artist, the first to send out gear to someone in need, and the first to make a newcomer feel like a star.
As Joseph D’Angeli so heartbreakingly shared, “Marco Soccoli, you were invincible. You were a force to be reckoned with. You were my brother, my drummer, my bandmate, my friend. I can’t stop crying.” Joseph’s words echo the heartbreak of so many—those who grew up beside Marco, who played beside him, and who trusted him as both a professional and a human being of the highest order.
Marco was a soul who built bridges—not just between artists and brands, but between people, ideas, and dreams. He could sit with a young drummer just finding their footing and a Grammy-winning veteran, and treat them both with the same respect, enthusiasm, and care. His mentorship launched careers, and his laughter lit up even the most chaotic tradeshow floors.
Joey Cassata shared a poignant memory that captures Marco’s spirit beautifully: “I first met him in 1993 when he sold me my giant Tama Artstar kit at Sam Ash on 48th Street in Manhattan. He even threw in my full massive 6ft cage ‘on the arm’ lol. That’s the kind of person Marco was. Generous. Supportive. Real. Years later, Marco became the first person to sign me to a full endorsement with Vic Firth drumsticks. He believed in me like no other.”
That belief, that unwavering loyalty, was what set Marco apart. He didn’t need fanfare. He worked behind the scenes, never asking for credit, simply lifting others up and pushing them forward. To him, the win was in your win.
He had a larger-than-life personality—always ready with a hug, a hilarious story, or a glass of grappa. Marco’s presence at NAMM and other industry events was legendary. He was never just attending—he was hosting, connecting, laughing, lifting spirits, and orchestrating behind-the-scenes magic to help artists thrive. For many, Marco’s booth was the first stop and the last farewell. His energy drew people in. His heart made them stay.
Even through his professional success, Marco never lost sight of the human side of the work. He understood that at the core of music was community, and he dedicated his life to building and nurturing that community. He didn’t care about ego—he cared about people. Those lucky enough to share drinks, dinners, long conversations, and jam sessions with Marco knew just how deeply he cared. He asked about your family. He remembered your kid’s name. He texted to check in. He was a protector, a cheerleader, a quiet hero to hundreds.
To the thousands of drummers whose careers Marco touched, he will be remembered as the guy who gave them their first shot. To the colleagues and collaborators who worked beside him, he’ll be remembered as the glue, the guide, and the guy who made it all a little bit easier. To his family, especially his beloved Carol, and to his closest friends, Marco was a light in their lives, dependable and strong. The void he leaves is immeasurable.
As we grapple with this devastating loss, we also choose to celebrate a life lived with integrity, passion, and heart. We will remember Marco in every beat of the drum, in every artist he believed in, and in every laugh shared over a music-filled night. His legacy is not just in the artists he signed or the deals he made—but in the love he gave, the community he nurtured, and the inspiration he sparked in everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Marco’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire drumming world that mourns with us. To Charlie Benante, who shared a brotherhood with Marco, and to all those whose lives he shaped—know that Marco’s spirit lives on in every groove, every cymbal crash, and every moment of support we offer each other. We encourage all who loved him to continue his legacy—support emerging artists, believe in one another, be generous with your time and praise, and above all, be real, just like Marco. Rest easy, dear Marco.
