Beloved MTV host Dave Kendall has died.
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The news of the 120 Minutes creator's death was confirmed by his successor, Matt Pinfield, and reported by Variety. The cause of death was not shared. Kendall's age is unconfirmed, though he is believed to have been in his 60s.
Dave Kendall Made Music History on "120 Minutes"
In the mid-1980s, college radio was beginning to gain traction, and the term "alternative" had not yet been coined.
British-born music journalist Kendall shared his idea for a show that would highlight these artists with MTV management. Though the idea was initially met with some resistance, Kendall's vision for 120 Minutes remained intact. The first episode aired on March 10, 1986.
"At the beginning, it was pure chaos," he said in an online documentary about the show. "I wanted to play music that I thought was cool and original, but the programming department wanted to include all the videos that were in light rotation, folks like Michael Barnes and Jermaine Jackson... I had zero experience as a TV producer."
Artists now considered legendary, including Sonic Youth and Mighty Lemon Drops, found their place in mainstream music thanks to Kendall and 120 Minutes. He initially served as the show's producer, then hosted it from 1989 to 1992, just as the genre he championed went mainstream.
Kendall's Successor Paid Tribute to the MTV Host
Kendall went on to work for SiriusXM as a DJ and video host, as well as for several other outlets. He later worked as a correspondent for the Bangkok Post and helped highlight environmental causes.
Pinfield paid tribute to his friend on social media, saying he was "heartbroken" about Kendall's passing.
"Dave was one of the true believers," he wrote. "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 didn't just host a show. He gave a home to music that deserved to be heard."
Pinfield added, "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."
