RIP, Braindead Dave Devereaux (July 5*, 2011) Indie Record Store Owner
themusicsover Dave Devereaux
January 31, 1970 – July 5*, 2011
Dave Devereaux was the owner of Force Of Habit Records, a popular independent record store in the Mission District area of San Francisco, California. As a teenager, Devereaux moved with his family from Montreal, Canada to Southern California where he became obsessed with hard rock and punk, with Metallica, AC/DC and the Ramones being among his favorites. He also did some DJing, which is when he came up with the nickname of Braindead Dave. Devereaux eventually settled in San Fransisco, opening Force Of Habit in 2004, after building a worldwide customer following on eBay. The store, which specialized in rare punk, vinyl and collectables, quickly became a local hang-out for area teens and music lovers of all ages. One such loyalist was Jello Biafra of Dead Kennedys fame who liked to pick through the shop’s 7″ single bins. Devereaux liked to support the local music scene as well, often showcasing live bands at his store. On July 5, 2011, paramedics discovered 41-year-old Dave Devereaux dead in his apartment. Authorities initially speculated that he passed away either on that day or the one prior, while early autopsy tests proved inconclusive. Foul play was not suspected, and according to online reports, Devereaux had been suffering from gastroesophageal problems in recent months.
*Date of death initially believed to be either July 4 or July 5, 2011.
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