Matt Pinfield Net Worth

What is Matt Pinfield's net worth?

Matt Pinfield is an American music personality and television host who has a net worth of $2 million.

Matt Pinfield stands as one of alternative rock's most influential media personalities, known for his encyclopedic knowledge of music and his distinctive presence as an MTV VJ during the network's peak years. His deep, gravelly voice and passionate commentary became synonymous with '90s music television, particularly through his hosting of "120 Minutes," MTV's flagship alternative music program. Throughout his career, Pinfield has worn many hats – radio DJ, television host, author, record label executive, and music journalist. His ability to bridge the gap between mainstream and underground music scenes, combined with his genuine enthusiasm and vast knowledge, has made him a respected figure among both artists and fans. His influence extends beyond MTV, having shaped music programming across multiple platforms and helping to break numerous alternative rock bands into the mainstream.

Early Life and Radio Beginnings

Born on May 28, 1961, in East Brunswick, New Jersey, Pinfield developed an early obsession with music, meticulously studying album credits and song histories as a teenager. He began his career in college radio at Rutgers University's WRSU-FM, where his extensive knowledge and passionate delivery quickly caught attention. By the mid-1980s, he had moved to commercial radio, becoming a prominent DJ at WHTG-FM in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where he helped champion emerging alternative rock acts and built a reputation for his deep musical expertise.

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The MTV Years

Pinfield's breakthrough came in 1995 when he joined MTV as a video jockey. His most significant impact came through hosting "120 Minutes," MTV's late-night alternative music showcase. His tenure on the show coincided with alternative rock's commercial peak, and he became known for conducting insightful interviews with artists like David Bowie, Robert Smith, and Trent Reznor. Unlike many VJs of the era, Pinfield's genuine knowledge and passion for music earned him respect from musicians and viewers alike. He also hosted other MTV programs, including "MTV2 Rock" and "Say What?," becoming one of the network's most recognizable faces.

Beyond MTV and Industry Impact

After leaving his full-time position at MTV in 1999, Pinfield continued to influence the music industry in various roles. He served as Vice President of A&R and Artist Development at Columbia Records, where he helped sign and develop new artists. His radio career continued to flourish, with successful stints at stations like WXRK (K-Rock) in New York and Sirius XM. In 2016, he published his memoir "All These Things That I've Done: My Insane, Improbable Rock Life," chronicling his experiences in the music industry and his battles with addiction.

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Legacy and Recent Work

Pinfield's influence on music journalism and broadcasting continues to resonate. His interviewing style – combining fan enthusiasm with deep musical knowledge – has influenced a generation of music journalists. He has remained active in the industry, hosting various radio shows and making appearances at music festivals and events. His dedication to music discovery and artist development has earned him numerous accolades, including SXSW's Lifetime Achievement Award in Music Journalism. Despite changes in the music industry and media landscape, Pinfield's expertise and passion for music remain as relevant as ever, making him a valued voice in contemporary music culture.

The Killers "All These Things I've Done"

Matt inspired The Killers' song "All These Things I've Done." As the story goes, before the band was famous Matt was an A&R rep at Columbia Records and wanted to sign them badly. At the time, Matt was also working with the US Army mentoring PTSD-stricken musician soldiers who were returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. After an Army event in Colorado, Matt flew straight to Las Vegas to meet The Killers. He watched them play and took them to dinner. Since he had no car, he asked the band members if one of them could give him a ride. Lead singer Brandon Flowers volunteered. On the drive, Matt told Brandon about his work with soldiers. They ended up at a bar talking for hours. As he would later tell the story:

"I started to tell him the story about mentoring soldiers, and I was getting ready to go through a divorce. I was going through a bit of a rough time. So, he went home that night, and their old manager, Braden Merrick, calls me on the phone, and goes, 'Hey Matt, Brandon wrote a song about you. He went home last night and wrote this song.' It was 'All These Things That I've Done,' and the line I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier is about the mentoring thing."

Matt's 2016 memoir was titled "All These Things That I've Done: My Insane, Improbably Rock Life."

Personal Life & Health Issues

In December 2018, Matt was struck by a car traveling 40 miles per hour while crossing a street. He broke his leg in two places and split his head open very badly.

Matt has two daughters, Maya and Jessica. On January 6, 2025, Matt suffered a stroke. A few weeks later, Jessica petitioned a court in Los Angeles to take temporary conservatorship over Matt because the stroke apparently rendered him unable to make decisions on his health and finances.

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