Dave Kendall demise: MTV’s 120 Minutes host dies at 68
Dave Kendall, the creator and host of MTV’s iconic nineties show 120 Minutes, has died. He was 68.
His friend and former fellow MTV host Matt Pinfield confirmed Kendall’s death with a tribute post shared Tuesday.
“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dave Kendall,” Pinfield wrote on X. “Dave was one of the true believers. Long before alternative music found its way into the mainstream, he was there every week on 120 Minutes, introducing people to bands that would go on to define an era.”
He continued: “He didn’t just host a show. He gave a home to music that deserved to be heard. He loved the music, respected the artists, and connected with fans in a way that always felt authentic. That’s a rare gift. Sending love to everyone whose life he touched. Rest easy, Dave.”
Kendall’s cause or date of death was not disclosed in the statement.
As Pinfield said, Kendall was known for championing alternative music.
The British-born DJ started 120 Minutes as a producer when the show first debuted on March 10, 1986. The alternative music program originally aired Sunday nights at midnight from 1986 until 2000.
Kendall — a former music journalist who previously wrote for outlets like Spin and the New York Post — hosted the show from 1988 to 1992. He quickly became known for his knowledge of music and passion for indie genres.
Throughout its run, the show featured alternative artists like The Ramones, Kate Bush, Morrissey, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sinéad O’Connor and Depeche Mode. Nirvana’s music video for their breakout single “Smells Like Teen Spirit” famously received a world premiere on 120 Minutes and became so popular that it began to play during the channel’s regular daytime rotation.
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