Dave Kendall, creator and former host of MTV’s 120 Minutes, has died
The DJ and alternative music icon’s cause of death has not yet been announced.
Dave Kendall, the music-loving Brit who helmed MTV’s 120 Minutes, has died, according to a post by Matt Pinfield. “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dave Kendall,” Pinfield shared 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 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.”
120 Minutes was created in 1986 by Kendall, who dedicated the program to platforming up-and-coming alternative artists. He helped introduce the world to Kate Bush, Morrissey, Hüsker Dü, and premiered Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video. 120 Minutes was canceled in 2003 but returned from 2011 to 2013 with Pinfield as its host. Kendall also played at LA clubs and mixed tracks as a DJ/VJ, working for SiriusXM and other outlets. He spent the last years of his life in Thailand and Indonesia. His cause of death and age were not immediately made known.
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