Matt Pinfield, an American music personality, television host, author, and radio DJ, has an estimated net worth of $2 million. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of rock music, gravelly voice, and infectious enthusiasm, Pinfield remains one of the most influential figures in alternative rock media. His legacy is deeply tied to his time as an MTV VJ in the 1990s, where he hosted 120 Minutes, MTV’s flagship alternative rock program that helped introduce countless underground bands to mainstream audiences. Beyond television, Pinfield has built a career spanning radio, record label management, authorship, and live music advocacy—cementing his reputation as a true champion of music culture.

Born on May 28, 1961, in East Brunswick, New Jersey, Matt Pinfield’s fascination with music began early. As a teenager, he would meticulously study album liner notes and memorize the details of songwriters, producers, and recording sessions—a habit that would later define his career.

He started his professional journey in college radio at Rutgers University’s WRSU-FM, where his encyclopedic recall of musical facts and passionate delivery earned him recognition. By the mid-1980s, he transitioned to commercial radio, joining WHTG-FM in Asbury Park, New Jersey. There, he became known for spotlighting emerging alternative rock acts long before they broke into the mainstream, helping to build the foundation for the genre’s future success.

Pinfield’s big break came in 1995, when he joined MTV as a video jockey. His deep knowledge of music and genuine love for the art form made him a natural fit for the network’s late-night show, 120 Minutes. As host, he championed alternative and indie music at a time when grunge and post-punk were dominating the airwaves.

His insightful interviews with artists like David Bowie, Robert Smith, Trent Reznor, and Radiohead helped redefine the relationship between musicians and audiences. Unlike many VJs of his era, Pinfield approached conversations not as celebrity exchanges but as in-depth explorations of creativity and artistic intent.

His ability to balance fandom with professionalism made him one of MTV’s most respected on-air personalities. Beyond 120 Minutes, he also hosted shows such as MTV2 Rock and Say What?, further expanding his influence during the network’s golden age.

After leaving MTV in 1999, Pinfield continued to shape the music industry in new ways. He joined Columbia Records as Vice President of A&R and Artist Development, where he played a key role in discovering and nurturing new talent.

Simultaneously, he returned to his roots in radio, working at stations including WXRK (K-Rock) in New York and SiriusXM, where his programs combined music history, artist interviews, and personal storytelling. His reputation as both a fan and a historian of rock music helped him remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry.

In 2016, he released his memoir All These Things That I’ve Done: My Insane, Improbable Rock Life, which chronicled his experiences with artists, his struggles with addiction, and his enduring passion for music. The book’s title was inspired by The Killers’ song “All These Things That I’ve Done,” which frontman Brandon Flowers wrote after meeting Pinfield during his early days in the band.

One of the most remarkable anecdotes in Pinfield’s life involves his unexpected influence on The Killers’ hit song “All These Things That I’ve Done.” While working as an A&R executive for Columbia Records, Pinfield met the band in Las Vegas and shared stories of his volunteer work mentoring U.S. soldiers dealing with post-traumatic stress after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lead singer Brandon Flowers later wrote the song, drawing from Pinfield’s story, particularly the lyric “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier.” Flowers’ gesture symbolized the impact Pinfield had not just as a music professional but as a compassionate human being who inspired others through his experiences.

Pinfield’s personal journey has not been without struggles. In December 2018, he survived a serious accident after being hit by a car traveling at 40 miles per hour, suffering severe leg fractures and a head injury. Despite the trauma, he made a remarkable recovery and returned to his broadcasting duties within months.

In January 2025, tragedy struck again when Pinfield suffered a stroke. His daughter Jessica Pinfield filed for temporary conservatorship in Los Angeles to manage his health and financial matters as he recovered. Throughout these challenges, his fans and peers in the music industry rallied around him, a testament to the respect and affection he commands.

Pinfield is the proud father of two daughters, Maya and Jessica, who have often spoken about his resilience and deep love for music.

Over the decades, Matt Pinfield has remained a vital force in music journalism and broadcasting. His conversational, passionate approach to music coverage has inspired a generation of journalists, podcasters, and radio hosts. In recognition of his career, he received the SXSW Lifetime Achievement Award in Music Journalism, honoring his lasting contribution to alternative and rock music culture.

Matt Pinfield net worth is $2 million.