Report: Pinfield Shares Recovery Journey After Stroke

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 7:38pm CT

Matt Pinfield

Veteran Radio and television personality Matt Pinfield recently spoke about his recovery following a severe stroke and coma earlier this year. "I'm alive," Pinfield stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "I'm recovering and am set to make a strong comeback. I was unresponsive for two months, and friends thought they were visiting me for the last time. The doctors had little hope for my ability to speak or walk again."

The former MTV VJ and current host on SoCal Sound suffered a stroke in January, leading to a significant medical crisis. After being released from the ICU, Pinfield is now in a Los Angeles rehabilitation center, continuing his recovery. His eldest daughter, Jessica, played a crucial role during this period, taking temporary guardianship of his medical and financial decisions, which Pinfield credits with saving his life.

Pinfield nearly lost his life during this ordeal. He developed pneumonia, required ventilator support, and was finally released from the ICU in February. His goal is to leave the hospital by the end of the month to pursue outpatient care.

Upon waking from his coma, Pinfield surprised his loved ones by immediately discussing music and quoting lyrics, particularly referencing "A Whiter Shade of Pale." "My friends were amazed at my rapid speech about music; it showed them that my cognitive abilities were intact," he explained.

Looking forward, Pinfield is focused on his recovery but eager to return to radio broadcasting. "I'll take some time to recover, and then I plan to resume my radio shows and continue doing what I love-entertaining people with music," he shared.

Pinfield's career began in the early '90s when he gained national attention as an MTV VJ. He hosted the alternative music show "120 Minutes" and worked in various capacities within the music industry, including a stint as Vice President of A&R at Columbia Records. He has been a vital part of several radio and television networks over the years. His contributions to the music world were even immortalized in The Killers' song "All These Things That I've Done," which also inspired the title of his 2016 memoir.

When Pinfield was hospitalized, KCSN-FM shared news of his temporary leave of absence, expressing full support for his recovery and anticipation for his return. Similarly, L.A.'s 95.5 KLOS and Meruelo Media, along with Pinfield's family and the broader rock and roll community, have shown immense support during his health struggles, eagerly awaiting his return to the airwaves.

In a related note, Pinfield's recent appointment as the afternoon host on KCSN-FM (The SoCal Sound) has been well-received, filling the vacancy left by Andy Chanley.