Matt Pinfield Recognized as Intl. Rock Icon of the Year

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, April 1, 2022

Matt Pinfield

Westwood One announces that Matt Pinfield, host of the retrospective radio program, "Flashback," was honored Thursday, March 24 as the first-ever "International Rock Icon of the Year" at the Global Rock Summit 2022. Pinfield accepted the award at the official Global Rock Summit opening night reception at SIR Studios in Hollywood.

The Global Rock Summit 2022 honors an individual who has left an indelible mark on the international music and media industry with their immeasurable positive contributions to the betterment of the Rock community. Pinfield, a Rock insider, DJ and MTV legend, has hosted Westwood One's syndicated "Flashback" radio program since 2012. He was also an air talent on KLOS in Los Angeles and celebrates nearly 40 years in the music and media business.

As a groundbreaking air personality and radio programmer, TV host, record label executive and best-selling author, Pinfield's lifelong passion for music, combined with his encyclopedic knowledge of the Rock format and peerless interviewing skills, have culminated in a remarkable career that continues to thrive.

In 1980, while still in his teens, Pinfield signed on as a college radio DJ at Rutgers University's WRSU, and in 1984 he joined WHTG, a pioneering New Jersey Modern Rock station, where he soon became Music Director, winning the Gavin Award for "Music Director of the Year - Alternative" two years in a row (1991-1992). In 1993, he moved from radio to television, joining MTV as host of 120 Minutes, and quickly became one of the most popular personalities in the channel's history, going on to host several of his own programs (MattRock, Pinfield Presents, Pinfield Suite and Stump Matt, to name just a few) and more than 100 specials.

In 2001, Pinfield was named Vice President A&R and Artist Development at Columbia Records where, among many others, he had the pleasure of working with one of his lifelong heroes, David Bowie. Over the years, he's interviewed virtually every major rock personality, from legends like Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones to such contemporary superstars as Dave Grohl and The Killers. In fact, The Killers based their song, "All These Things I've Done," on Pinfield's life - and Pinfield then named his autobiography after the song.

He has been honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was a member of the GRAMMYS/Recording Academy Board of Governors and continues to be the "go-to guy" as an expert on Rock music, making frequent film and TV appearances, as well as continuing his amazing work in radio.