MTV's '120 Minutes' Host Dave Kendall Dies at 68
Dave Kendall, the iconic British VJ and host of MTV's influential 120 Minutes, has died at 68. He was celebrated for bringing alternative rock to mainstream audiences, notably premiering Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit." His extensive career spanned journalism, television, radio, and digital media, leaving a significant legacy in music broadcasting.
Dave Kendall, the influential British VJ who introduced millions of viewers to alternative rock through MTV's 120 Minutes, has died at the age of 68. The news was announced by former MTV host Matt Pinfield, who described Kendall as "one of the true believers" of alternative music.
Between 1988 and 1991, Kendall helped shape the genre's mainstream rise, most notably premiering Nirvana's iconic Smells Like Teen Spirit music video in September 1991.
Before joining MTV, Kendall worked as a journalist and editor for publications including Melody Maker, Spin, and the New York Post. After moving to New York, he was recruited by MTV to develop 120 Minutes, where he served as a writer, producer, presenter, and reporter.
His passion for music and ability to connect artists with audiences made the programme a cultural touchstone for alternative music fans worldwide.
Beyond MTV, Kendall enjoyed a diverse media career, hosting television and radio programmes, co-producing Music Scoupe, anchoring Woodstock '94, and pioneering early digital music platforms. He later relocated to Bangkok, Thailand, where he produced the travel programme Destination Thailand and wrote for the Bangkok Post from 2017.
Kendall leaves behind a lasting legacy as a pioneering broadcaster and champion of alternative music whose influence continues to resonate across generations of music lovers.