Music Icon Matt Pinfield Hospitalized After Stroke, Family Seeks Conservatorship

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Matt Pinfield, the East Brunswick native and legendary music personality, suffered a stroke on Jan. 6 that has left him incapacitated, according to court documents. The 63-year-old, known for his influential roles at MTV and in the music industry, is currently in stable but poor physical health, unable to make cognitive decisions or move independently.

Pinfield’s daughters, Jessica and Maya, filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking a temporary conservatorship over their father. The petition states that Pinfield is incapable of managing his affairs due to the stroke. It also requests that his girlfriend, Kara Brown, not be notified of the conservatorship proceedings. Attempts to reach Brown and attorneys representing the Pinfield family were unsuccessful.

Pinfield rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as a DJ at the Melody Bar in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he hosted notable acts like Miles Hunt of The Wonder Stuff and Mick Jones of The Clash. His passion for music and deep knowledge of rock history earned him a loyal following. He later became a key figure in bringing alternative rock to the mainstream as program director of WHTH-FM in Eatontown, New Jersey, and as the host of MTV’s “120 Minutes” from 1995 to 1999.

In recent years, Pinfield returned to his radio roots, hosting an afternoon show on Los Angeles’ KCSN rock station. He also co-hosted AXS TV‘s “The Power Hour” and created the nationally syndicated radio show “Flashback,” celebrating the history of rock ‘n’ roll.

Pinfield has faced personal challenges, including battles with drug addiction and a 2018 accident in which he was struck by a car in Los Angeles. Fans grew concerned after he stopped posting on social media three weeks ago. His last post, dated Jan. 6, read: “Starting another week with gratitude for a life surrounded by great people, life-changing music, and unforgettable experiences that I never take for granted. Here’s to another week — another day — open heart and open mind. Let’s rock!”

Friends, peers, and musicians have rallied around Pinfield, sharing messages of support on social media. Butch Walker, a musician and longtime friend, wrote: “Matt is a legend in the music business… He just wants MUSIC. Keep him in your thoughts.”

Pinfield’s contributions to the music industry have been widely celebrated. In a 2023 interview, he reflected on his career, saying, “I was very blessed that the people from the grunge scene, who didn’t trust a lot of people in media, liked and trusted me. They knew that I really loved the music and that I cared about it.”

As Pinfield continues his recovery, his family and friends are asking for privacy and positive thoughts during this challenging time.