Mtv's '120 Minutes' Pioneer Dave Kendall Passes Away

WHO:

Billboard - Dave Kendall was a British VJ.

Deadline - Dave Kendall, creator and host of MTV’s "120 Minutes"

Deadline - Matt Pinfield, friend and former MTV colleague of Dave Kendall

Variety - Matt Pinfield, friend and latter-day host of "120 Minutes"

WHAT:

Billboard - Dave Kendall helped boost indie and alt rock on MTV from 1989 to 1992.

Deadline - Dave Kendall has died.

Variety - The show "120 Minutes" launched on March 10, 1986.

WHEN:

Variety - The show "120 Minutes" launched on March 10, 1986.

WHY:

Deadline - Matt Pinfield described Kendall as "one of the true believers" in alternative music.

HOW:

Variety - The show "120 Minutes" began from scrappy beginnings and became influential in promoting alternative music.

(UPDATED July 15, 2026 23:18 UTC)

Dave Kendall, a British VJ, played a significant role in promoting indie and alt rock on MTV from 1989 to 1992. His contributions helped shape the music landscape during that era, bringing attention to emerging artists and genres. Kendall's influence on the network left a lasting impact on both viewers and the music industry.

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(UPDATED July 15, 2026 16:24 UTC)

Dave Kendall, the creator and host of MTV’s iconic show "120 Minutes," has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the landscape of alternative music. His friend and former colleague, Matt Pinfield, remembered Kendall as "one of the true believers" in the genre, highlighting the impact of a show that began on March 10, 1986, from humble origins and grew to be a significant platform for emerging artists. "120 Minutes" not only introduced countless viewers to alternative music but also became a cultural touchstone during its run.