Matt Pinfield, the East Brunswick native who went from spinning in small Jersey nightclubs and local radio to become one of the most recognizable faces in the music world, suffered a stroke on Jan. 6 that has left him “incapacitated,” according to court documents.
Pinfield, 63, suffered the stroke in Los Angeles. He’s stable but in “poor” physical health, incapable of making cognitive decisions or physical movement, according to a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court obtained by the Asbury Park Press. The petition was brought by his daughters, Jessica and Maya, requesting a temporary conservatorship.
The petition requests that Pinfield’s girlfriend, Kara Brown, not be notified of the attempt to obtain conservatorship. Attempts to reach Brown and attorneys for the Pinfields were not successful.
Pinfield started deejaying out of his East Brunswick family home on a faint radio signal station. He later drew a large following at the Melody Bar in New Brunswick in the ’80s and early ’90s where the club hosted notables like Miles Hunt of the Wonder Stuff, Mick Jones of the Clash and Beat poet Gregory Corso.
Future notables like Mario Batali, Jane Krakowski and James Gandolfini were among the regulars who made the scene at the tiny French Street club.
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The appeal of the Melody scene was so strong that there are several annual reunions of club denizen more than 20 years after the club closed Pinfield often makes appearances at the reunions.
Pinfield also helped bring the alternative rock of the Cure, R.E.M. and into the mainstream via his tenure as program director of the tiny WHTH-FM in Eatontown. The station was cited as an industry leader by Rolling Stone while Pinfield was in charge.
MTV came calling after that, with a stint as host of “120 Minutes” from 1995 to 1999 and other on air duties.
Pinfield returned to his radio roots in the last year for an afternoon show on Los Angeles’ KCSN rock station.
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Pinfield has battled drug addiction over the years and was hurt when struck by a car in 2018 on Los Angeles. Fans and friends became concerned after Pinfield, who posted daily, seemingly dropped off social media following a post three weeks ago.
“Starting another week with gratitude for a life surrounded by great people, life changing music, and unforgettable experiences that I never take for granted,” said Pinfield on his last post. “Here’s to another week — another day — open heart and open mind. Let’s rock!”
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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at cjordan@app.com
I am deeply saddened to share that New Jersey music legend Matt Pinfield has suffered a stroke and is currently incapacitated. Pinfield, a beloved radio DJ and music journalist, is known for his vast knowledge and passion for music, as well as his warm and engaging personality.
Our thoughts are with Matt and his loved ones during this difficult time. We hope for a speedy recovery and send our love and support to him as he navigates this challenging journey.
Please join me in sending positive thoughts and well wishes to Matt Pinfield as he bravely faces this health crisis. Let’s all come together to support him in any way we can and show our appreciation for all the joy and inspiration he has brought to the music community. #GetWellSoonMattPinfield
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