What Is Matt Pinfield’s Net Worth?
Matt Pinfield, a prominent figure in the music industry, boasts a net worth of approximately $2 million. This valuation stems from his multifaceted career as a television host, radio DJ, author, and music industry executive. While specific breakdowns of his income sources aren’t publicly available, his earnings are derived from various avenues within the entertainment and media sectors.
Matt Pinfield’s Career in Music and Television
Pinfield’s journey began in radio. He started at Rutgers University’s WRSU-FM during his college years. His deep musical knowledge and engaging delivery quickly gained attention. By the mid-1980s, he transitioned to commercial radio, becoming a notable DJ at WHTG-FM in Asbury Park, New Jersey. This role allowed him to champion emerging alternative rock bands, solidifying his reputation as a music expert.
His breakthrough arrived in 1995 when he joined MTV as a VJ. Pinfield became the host of “120 Minutes,” MTV’s late-night alternative music program. His tenure coincided with alternative rock’s commercial zenith. He became known for insightful interviews with artists like David Bowie, Robert Smith, and Trent Reznor. Pinfield also hosted other MTV programs, including “MTV2 Rock” and “Say What?” This solidified him as one of the network’s most recognizable personalities.
After leaving MTV in 1999, Pinfield continued to influence the music industry. He served as Vice President of A&R and Artist Development at Columbia Records. He helped sign and develop new artists. His radio career flourished with 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.” This chronicles his experiences in the music industry and his battles with addiction.
His interviewing style blends fan enthusiasm with deep musical knowledge. It has influenced a generation of music journalists. He remains active, hosting radio shows and appearing at music festivals and events. His dedication to music discovery and artist development has earned him accolades, including SXSW’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Music Journalism. Despite changes in the music industry, Pinfield’s expertise and passion for music remain relevant.
Pinfield’s influence extends beyond television and radio. The Killers’ song “All These Things I’ve Done” was inspired by Matt. Before the band achieved fame, Matt worked as an A&R representative at Columbia Records. He was eager to sign them. At the time, Matt was also mentoring PTSD-stricken musician soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. After an Army event in Colorado, Matt flew to Las Vegas to meet The Killers. He watched their performance and took them to dinner. Lacking a car, he asked for a ride from the band members. Lead singer Brandon Flowers offered. During the drive, Matt shared his work with soldiers. They continued the conversation at a bar for hours.
Pinfield later recounted, “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.” His 2016 memoir adopted the song’s title.
Recent Events and Personal Life
In December 2018, Matt was struck by a car traveling at 40 miles per hour while crossing a street. He sustained a broken leg in two places and a severe head injury. 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. The stroke apparently rendered him unable to make decisions on his health and finances.
While specific details regarding Pinfield’s real estate holdings, private aircraft, or luxury car collection remain undisclosed, his $2 million net worth reflects his sustained success and contributions across various facets of the music and media landscape. Matt Pinfield’s journey from college radio to MTV and beyond showcases his enduring passion and expertise in the world of music. The Matt Pinfield’s net worth demonstrates his sustained success and influence in the music industry.