# Matt Pinfield

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American VJ, TV host and radio personality

Matt Pinfield Pinfield in 2024 Born (1961-05-28) May 28, 1961 (age 65) Athens, Georgia, U.S.[1] Education Rutgers University Occupations VJ, TV personality/host Years active 1984–present Website mattpinfieldmusic.com

**Matthew Pinfield** (born May 28, 1961) is an American [television host](/source/Television_host), [disc jockey](/source/Disc_jockey), and [music executive](/source/Music_executive). He first reached national prominence as a [VJ](/source/VJ_(media_personality)) on [MTV](/source/MTV). He served two stints as the host of the [alternative music](/source/Alternative_rock) program *[120 Minutes](/source/120_Minutes)*, from 1995 to 1999 on MTV and from 2011 to 2013 on [MTV2](/source/MTV2).[2]

Starting in the early 1980s, he began working as both a radio and club DJ in the [New Jersey](/source/New_Jersey) [alternative rock](/source/Alternative_rock) scene, working at [WHTG-FM](/source/WKMK) when the station first began broadcasting alternative rock in 1984. He later became music director at the station and won several awards before MTV hired him to host their long-running late-night alternative music show in 1995. Pinfield went on to host a number of other shows on the MTV family of networks, including MTV, MTV2, and [VH1](/source/VH1). He left MTV in 1999 to host [Farmclub.com](/source/Farmclub.com), a live music show that aired on the [USA Network](/source/USA_Network). He served as vice president of [A&R](/source/Artists_and_repertoire) and artist development for [Columbia Records](/source/Columbia_Records) from 2001 to 2006. He has since worked as a DJ and television host for a number of terrestrial and satellite radio stations and television networks.

## Career

### Early years

Early in his career, Pinfield worked as an on-air host and [music director](/source/Music_director) at [WRSU-FM](/source/WRSU-FM), the official radio station of [Rutgers University](/source/Rutgers_University). During that time, he appeared in documentary *Rockin’ Brunswick*, directed by [Paul Devlin](/source/Paul_Devlin_(filmmaker)).[3] In 1984, he became a radio DJ on the [Jersey Shore](/source/Jersey_Shore) [alternative rock](/source/Alternative_rock) radio station [WHTG-FM](/source/WKMK) 106.3, and was the main DJ at a [New Brunswick, New Jersey](/source/New_Brunswick%2C_New_Jersey) club called [The Melody Bar](/source/Melody_Bar). During his tenure, the Melody became a respected [alternative music](/source/Alternative_rock) club in the [New York City](/source/New_York_City) area. Pinfield developed a close personal relationship with a number of British alternative rock bands such as [Ned's Atomic Dustbin](/source/Ned's_Atomic_Dustbin), [Pop Will Eat Itself](/source/Pop_Will_Eat_Itself), and [The Wonder Stuff](/source/The_Wonder_Stuff).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

During his 10 years at WHTG, Pinfield was the recipient of the Gavin Award (1992 and 1993) for National Commercial Alternative Music Director of the Year.[4]

In 1992, Pinfield appeared in an episode of the first season of MTV's *The Real World* when he interviewed members of the rock group Reigndance on-air at [WHTG](/source/WHTG_(AM)). The group's lead singer, Andre, was one of the seven cast members of *The Real World*.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

In 1995, Pinfield began his television career hosting MTV's *[120 Minutes](/source/120_Minutes)*. Within a year, he hosted a variety of MTV shows including *MattRock*, *Pinfield Suite*, *Pinfield Presents*, *Rocks Off*, *[Say What?](/source/Say_What%3F)*, *[MTV Live](/source/MTV_Live_(TV_series))*, and over 100 MTV specials. His music knowledge was showcased on [TRL](/source/Total_Request_Live)'s *Stump Matt*. In 1999, Pinfield joined Universal Television to host and co-write a live television show about music, *[farmclub.com](/source/Farmclub.com)*, which aired in 2000 on the [USA Network](/source/USA_Network).[5]

In 2001, Pinfield became Vice President of A & R and Artist Development for [Columbia Records](/source/Columbia_Records), signing and overseeing the making of albums by acts including [Coheed & Cambria](/source/Coheed_%26_Cambria) and [Crossfade](/source/Crossfade_(American_band)). During the same time, he hosted [WXRK](/source/WINS-FM)'s *The Buzz* and made [cameo appearances](/source/Cameo_appearance) on several albums, including a secret spoken word track on [Limp Bizkit](/source/Limp_Bizkit)'s *[Significant Other](/source/Significant_Other_(album))*. In 2005, Pinfield was asked by [The Rolling Stones](/source/The_Rolling_Stones) to host their international radio interview for Premiere networks. The special featured all four band members together for the first time in an interview setting in over 35 years.[6]

In 2006, Pinfield returned to television to host VH1's *[VSpot Top 20 Countdown](/source/VSpot_Top_20_Countdown)* and [HDNet](/source/HDNet)'s *Sound Off with Matt Pinfield*, an in-depth interview program in the vein of *[Larry King Live](/source/Larry_King_Live)*.[7] Pinfield also co-starred as himself on several episodes of the [Nickelodeon](/source/Nickelodeon) program *[The Naked Brothers Band](/source/The_Naked_Brothers_Band_(TV_series))*.[8]

On August 22, 2007, Pinfield hosted [Projekt Revolution](/source/Projekt_Revolution), a free concert hosted on Myspace.com.[9] Pinfield hosted [Sirius Satellite Radio](/source/Sirius_Satellite_Radio)'s *Matt Pinfield Plays Whatever He Wants* and *Soundoff with Matt Pinfield*. However, as of November 12, 2008, the merger of XM and Sirius left the future of these shows in doubt. The future of these shows remains in doubt to this day.

Beginning May 28, 2008 Pinfield took over as morning drive DJ on New York radio station [WRXP](/source/WFAN-FM) 101.9FM.[10]

In July 2009, Pinfield worked the counter at Jack White's Third Man Records [pop-up store](/source/Pop-up_retail), which operated for two days on Chrystie Street in New York City. The store's primary function was to promote two WRXP gigs that White's band, the Dead Weather, was doing at Terminal 5.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Every February, Pinfield spins 80s/90s alternative classics at the now annual Melody Bar Reunion in New Brunswick, New Jersey.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

In July 2011, WRXP changed formats and Pinfield left the station to host *120 Minutes*, which had been revived by [MTV2](/source/MTV2). He began hosting the revived weekly series on July 31, 2011.[2]

In January, 2012, Pinfield was chosen to host *[Flashback](/source/Flashback_(radio_program))*, the classic rock weekend show on 219 radio stations owned by [Cumulus Media](/source/Cumulus_Media).[11]

Pinfield played himself in an episode of *[Portlandia](/source/Portlandia_(TV_series))* on January 4, 2013.[12]

### 2015–present

This section is in list format but may read better as prose. You can help by converting this section, if appropriate. Editing help is available. (March 2025)

In 2015, Pinfield became a DJ on [SiriusXM](/source/SiriusXM) Radio's [Lithium channel](/source/Lithium_(Sirius_XM_station)) from 7 am to 1 pm ([ET](/source/Eastern_Time_Zone)) weekdays.[13]

On Wednesday, April 20, 2016, Pinfield took over the morning DJ timeslot at Cumulus Media's San Francisco outpost, [KFOG](/source/KNBR-FM) 104.5.[14]

In 2016, Pinfield published a memoir, *All These Things That I've Done: My Insane, Improbable Rock Life*.[15]

In 2018, Pinfield penned the foreword for the book *100 Things Pearl Jam Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die*, by author Greg Prato.[16]

In September 2019, Pinfield covered the [Rock in Rio](/source/Rock_in_Rio) festival for [LiveXLive](/source/LiveXLive) interviewing artists on the backstage.[17]

In January 2021, Pinfield began hosting *New & Approved*, a Sunday evening program featuring new rock music, on 95.5 FM [KLOS](/source/KLOS) in [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles).[18][19]

Matt Pinfield was honored at the Global Rock Summit 2022 event with the first International Rock Icon of the Year Award for his contributions to music, radio, and media.[4]

Pinfield was the interviewer for Season 1 of the reality competition show *[No Cover](/source/Hit_Parader's_No_Cover)* that aired in April 2022.[20]

On March 28, 2024, Pinfield was introduced on-air as the new afternoon drivetime host for [KCSN](/source/KCSN), a AAA-format public radio station based in Los Angeles.

Pinfield was interviewed at length for the 2025 book *Alternative for the Masses: The '90s Alt-Rock Revolution - An Oral History*[21] by writer Greg Prato. The same year, Pinfield contributed the foreword to another one of Prato's books, *Talk to Me: Conversations With Ace Frehley*.[22]

## Personal life

He lives in [Los Angeles, California](/source/Los_Angeles%2C_California), and previously resided in [Harrison, New Jersey](/source/Harrison%2C_New_Jersey) and [East Brunswick Township](/source/East_Brunswick_Township%2C_New_Jersey).[23][24]

On December 3, 2018, Pinfield nearly died while crossing the street near his Hollywood home. He was struck by a car that was going 40 miles per hour (64 km/h); Pinfield broke his leg in two places and split his head open all the way to the skull after hitting the windshield headfirst and striking his head a second time on the pavement.[25]

Pinfield suffered a [stroke](/source/Stroke) on January 6, 2025. It was later reported on January 30 that he was left "incapable of moving or making cognitive decisions", and his daughters applied for a temporary conservatorship in light of his condition.[26] However, after a long recovery, Pinfield returned to hosting *Flashback* in mid-June, 2025.[27]

## In popular culture

[The Killers](/source/The_Killers)' song "[All These Things That I've Done](/source/All_These_Things_That_I've_Done)" from their 2004 album *[Hot Fuss](/source/Hot_Fuss)* is about Pinfield. He met the band while working as a vice president of A&R at [Columbia Records](/source/Columbia_Records).[25]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Today representing Athens, Georgia, where I was born"](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16pA9sArwM/?mibextid=wwXIfr). *Facebook.com*. Retrieved March 12, 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-returnp4k_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-returnp4k_2-1) [MTV Brings Back "120 Minutes"](http://pitchfork.com/news/43351-mtv-brings-back-120-minutes/) *[Pitchfork Media](/source/Pitchfork_Media)* July 28, 2011

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** CIRAULO, LAUREN (January 20, 2011). [""Film recalls famed music scene of 1980s""](https://archive.centraljersey.com/2011/01/20/film-recalls-famed-music-scene-of-1980s-2/). *centraljersey.com*. Retrieved December 8, 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-RO_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-RO_4-1) ["Matt Pinfield Recognized as Intl. Rock Icon of the Year"](https://news.radio-online.com/articles/n41981/Matt-Pinfield-Recognized-as-Intl-Rock-Icon-of-the-Year). *News.radio-online.com*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Mariani, Anthony (November 15, 2000). ["Betting the Farmclub"](https://www.salon.com/2000/11/15/farmclub/). *[Salon.com](/source/Salon.com)*. Retrieved February 5, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Amabile Angermiller, Michele (April 12, 2016). ["San Francisco Radio Station KFOG Taps Matt Pinfield as New Morning Host"](https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/san-francisco-kfog-matt-pinfield-morning-host-7332983/). *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved February 5, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [""Sound Off With Matt Pinfield" on AXS TV"](http://www.axs.tv/originals/sound-off-with-matt-pinfield-on-axs-tv/). *AXS TV*. Retrieved January 28, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Former MTV Personality Hospitalized After Being Struck by Car"](https://popculture.com/tv-shows/2018/12/09/former-mtv-personality-matt-pinfield-hospitalized-being-struck-car/). *TV*. Retrieved 2019-08-02.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["NowWhat at MySpace (nowwhat) on Myspace"](http://www.myspace.com/nowwhat). *Myspace*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Spiegel, Rachel. ["Matt Pinfield Morning Drive"](http://www.1019rxp.com/Station/Story.aspx?id=1008493). *1019rxp.com*. Retrieved 2008-09-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-cumulu_11-0)** Barmash, Jerry (January 10, 2012). ["Matt Pinfield Makes Radio Return as Host Cumulus of Weekend Show; Not Heard in NYC"](http://www.adweek.com/digital/matt-pinfield-makes-radio-return-host-cumulus-weekend-show-not-heard-in-nyc/). *[Adweek](/source/Adweek)*. Retrieved May 19, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Vineyard, Jennifer (December 11, 2012). ["Loder, Soren, Pinfield: MTV's Icons Reunite for Portlandia"](https://www.vulture.com/2012/12/mtvs-icons-reunite-for-portlandia.html). *Vulture*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Lithium"](https://www.siriusxm.com/channels/lithium). *SiriusXM*. Retrieved 14 March 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["KFOG/San Francisco Sets New Weekday Lineup, Matt Pinfield To Host Mornings"](https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/152521/kfog-san-francisco-sets-new-weekday-lineup-matt-pi). *All Access*. Retrieved 14 March 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Matt Pinfield Reveals Rehab Return"](https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7640811/matt-pinfield-rehab). Billboard. January 3, 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Prato, Greg (May 2018). [*100 Things Pearl Jam Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die*](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1629375403/). Triumph Books.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Anthrax Backstage: Rock in Rio"](https://www.livexlive.com/post/12a22d11-e982-4d6c-b9df-42839c0d7e2a). *LiveXLive*. November 5, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Matt Pinfield to Host Weekly New Music Show for KLOS"](https://radioinsight.com/headlines/203894/matt-pinfield-to-host-weekly-new-music-show-for-klos/). *Radioinsight.com*. 11 January 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Matt Pinfield "New & Approved" KLOS"](https://fwrdaxis.com/author/mpinfield/). *Fwrdaxis.com*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Matt Pinfield / Interviewer"](https://www.nocovershow.com/cast/project-six-7bpr7). *Nocovershowe.com*. Retrieved 2022-07-11.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Prato, Greg (October 2025). [*Alternative for the Masses: The '90s Alt-Rock Revolution - An Oral History*](https://www.amazon.com/Alternative-Masses-Alt-Rock-Revolution-History/dp/0760398429). Motorbooks.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Prato, Greg (November 2025). [*Talk to Me: Conversations With Ace Frehley*](https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Me-Conversations-Ace-Frehley/dp/B0G1LW4XL4). Greg Prato Writer, Corp.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Jordan, Chris. ["East Brunswick-bred Matt Pinfield hosts Holiday Extravaganza"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110628231644/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mycentraljersey/access/1694216831.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+05,+2008&author=CHRIS+JORDAN&pub=Home+News+Tribune&desc=East+Brunswick-bred+Matt+Pinfield+hosts+Holiday+Extravaganza&pqatl=google), *[Home News Tribune](/source/Home_News_Tribune)*, November 5, 2008. Accessed February 13, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Cotter, Kelly Jane. ["PLAYING HIS PICKS"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110628231656/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1699059311.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+10,+2008&author=KELLY-JANE+COTTER&pub=Asbury+Park+Press&desc=PLAYING+HIS+PICKS&pqatl=google), *[Asbury Park Press](/source/Asbury_Park_Press)*, August 10, 2008. Accessed February 13, 2011. "On weekdays Pinfield gets up at the unrockin hour of 4 a.m. at his home in Harrison and is in the RXP studio by 520 a.m."

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-yahoo_25-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-yahoo_25-1) Parker, Lyndsey (January 22, 2019). ["Soldiering on: MTV VJ Matt Pinfield opens up about near-fatal accident, song the Killers wrote for him"](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/soldiering-mtv-vj-matt-pinfield-opens-near-fatal-accident-song-killers-wrote-212802983.html). *Yahoo!*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-stroke_26-0)** Matthews, David (January 30, 2025). ["Former MTV VJ Matt Pinfield 'incapacitated' after stroke"](https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/people/2025/01/30/former-mtv-vj-matt-pinfield-incapacitated-after-stroke/78051957007/). *[The Detroit News](/source/The_Detroit_News)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250130185828/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/people/2025/01/30/former-mtv-vj-matt-pinfield-incapacitated-after-stroke/78051957007/) from the original on January 30, 2025. Retrieved January 30, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-radio_ink_27-0)** Coats, Cameron (June 12, 2025). ["Cumulus' Flashback Welcomes Matt Pinfield Back This Weekend"](https://radioink.com/2025/06/12/cumulus-flashback-welcomes-matt-pinfield-back-this-weekend/). *RadioInk*.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Matt Pinfield](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Matt_Pinfield).

- [Matt Pinfield](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0684128/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))

- [Matt Pinfield on HDNet, Sound Off with Matt Pinfield](http://www.axs.tv/originals/sound-off-with-matt-pinfield-on-axs-tv/)

- [Matt Pinfield 2 Hours](http://www.2hoursmattpinfield.com/2-hours-podcast/)

Authority control databases International ISNI 2 VIAF 2 WorldCat 2 National United States France BnF data Artists MusicBrainz People Deutsche Synchronkartei

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Matt Pinfield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Pinfield) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Pinfield?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.