Best MTV Unplugged Performances
Which band/artists performance on MTV Unplugged is best ever out of these?
Chains was great, and it's a tough vote. The big differences: Layne was a little off in some songs but sounded good overall.
For example, in Sludge Factory, he couldn't hit the notes like he used to. The big factor for me was the performance of Where Did You Sleep Last Night.
There were some powerful performances on Unplugged, but nothing could compare to the ending of this masterpiece. When Cobain takes that last breath before belting out the final words, it gives you goosebumps like no other.
This haunting performance moved me beyond words. The entire performance was brilliant, but Nutshell and Down in a Hole were outstanding.
There will never be another Layne Staley. He and Jerry Cantrell were an amazing force. I wish Layne was still here making incredible music, but I hope he found the peace he was missing. Alice in Chains fan for life!
This performance had more gravity than any other Unplugged show. It was their first show in over two years, and Layne Staley was visibly unhealthy.
Their powerful, angry songs, stripped down to acoustic, sounded more sad. Staley lacked the power his voice once had, but make no mistake, he still delivered a powerful and unforgettable performance.
Love this performance. It had so much energy and pure emotion. His lyrics and feelings about his dad were truly expressed through this performance.
This concert and I have an awesome "State of Love and Trust." I pray to the "Oceans" that I can be "Alive" long enough to listen to this many times and not get tired of it!
Black was hauntingly beautiful! The raw emotion with which Eddie sang it was absolutely wonderful!
I think this is the best MTV Unplugged ever. Eric Clapton introduced a totally different version of his song Layla.
Many people just convert their songs to an Unplugged version, but this was something else. New tune, new groove, and yet the same chordal formation, but with a totally different approach.
Also, the best Tears in Heaven song was introduced in this album.
I've heard all of the albums on here, and Clapton's by far exceeds them in terms of originality, innovativeness, and influence.
Alice In Chains was awful. The only reason it's ranked so high is because Layne died. The same goes for Nirvana being second.
Wicked Garden, Creep, Plush. The DeLeos prove their virtuosity when it comes to guitar playing, and Scott Weiland puts on one of his greatest performances ever.
Usually overlooked but never forgotten in the hearts of '90s youngsters.
Stone Temple Pilots taped their MTV Unplugged performance the day before Nirvana. Isn't that amazing?
When the lead singer backs out of any gig, it can be disastrous. But luckily for MTV and viewers around the world, Noel Gallagher stepped up and saved the day.
The greatest for a reason. Noel Gallagher performed those songs like they'd never been performed before, giving a flawless set.
It was amazing, especially the way Noel took over because Liam backed out minutes before the show. This should be tied with number one.
Dylan's best official live album (not counting the Bootleg Series).
The Newcomers
William John Paul "Liam" Gallagher is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. He rose to fame as the lead singer of the rock band Oasis, and later as the singer of Beady Eye He launched a solo career in 2017. In 2024, it was officially announced that he and his brother Noel had resolved their differences,... read more Liam Gallagher didn't just turn back the clock. He set a new hour. The return of the mack was thunderous and harmonious combined. He was elegant yet raw in his emotional stance, both on his new material and his old classics.
I've personally replayed this gig 20 times over. It really was, and still is, incredible.
He finally redeemed himself for walking out on MTV Unplugged with Oasis. His voice has never sounded clearer or more rock 'n' roll. He totally smashed it, both with his new songs and the classic Oasis tracks.
Björk Guðmundsdóttir, (born 21 November 1965) is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, composer, record producer and actress. Over her four-decade career, she has developed an eclectic musical style that draws on influences and genres including electronic, pop, jazz, experimental, trip hop, alternative,... read more Such a thrilling performance with amazing arrangements and a phalanx of exotic instruments to dive deep into the songs' cosmos.
All these fly-by-night grunge bands clogging up the Top 10, give me a break. Not one single Unplugged performance had the cultural, financial, or cosmic impact that KISS Unplugged did.
Why? Because it reunited Peter and Ace with Gene and Paul after 15 years of war. This show led to the full-time reunion of the original KISS lineup, which was the top-grossing tour in the world for several years. It made a kagillion more dollars while these other grunge bands faded into '90s obscurity.
Unplugged was a footnote for most of these bands. For KISS, it was a complete transformation and launching pad.
I was never a fan of Korn, but they did an amazing job on this one. The taiko ensemble and the collaborations, especially Robert Smith, blew my mind and still do every time I listen to it.
Listen to the original versions of Blind, Freak on a Leash, Make Me Bad, and others, then to their Unplugged versions.
Korn, Metallica, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, etc. all had amazing Unplugged concerts. I don't know why people hate them.
Simply the best MTV Unplugged performance! Mariah is the best singer in the world!
She was amazing. The best vocalist and the Songbird Supreme.
The only Unplugged album with a Billboard #1. Enough said.
George showing off his singing skills with great backing vocals and an awesome band playing along was a blast. Everything sounded so perfect, with a catchy rhythm. This was maybe one of his best live performances. (MTV Unplugged 1996.)
For some reason, it wasn't released in DVD format. It's worth listening to, and the world will surely miss this great composer and musician. R.I.P. George, thanks for giving us this great music during your career. Your voice and spirit were the most beautiful gifts from God. One of the most influential artists.
Shakira, just before the international breakthrough, is the purest Shakira you will ever see.
Placebo are an English alternative rock band, formed in London in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist-bassist Stefan Olsdal.
The greatest foreign-language band ever!
I love this because I feel I can fly!
10,000 Maniacs and Alanis Morissette should both be in the top 10. Both women's vocals are faultless.