Top 10 Best MTV Unplugged Performances
Before YouTube, TikTok, or even high-speed internet, there was MTV Unplugged. It was your chance to see huge artists stripped down, raw, and way outside their comfort zones. No walls of amps. No pyrotechnics. Just a few stools, some acoustic guitars, and the kind of atmosphere that made even the most jaded rockstars seem a little more human. It was like being invited into a secret living room session, except the living room had a camera crew and millions of people watching.What made MTV Unplugged so cool wasn't just the format. It was how different your favorite songs sounded when the distortion and effects got peeled away. Suddenly, you heard things in a song you'd never noticed before. Maybe the lyrics hit harder, or the melody felt more haunting, or just plain better. And for the artists, it was a chance to either show off their chops or, in some cases, completely reinvent themselves for an hour.
Now, not every Unplugged session was created equal. Some shows were unforgettable because the band crushed it acoustically, while others became iconic because of the timing or what was going on in the world at that moment. And sometimes the magic came from the fact that nobody expected that band to nail an acoustic set... but they totally did. That's part of what makes this list such a fun ride. You're not just voting on who sounded good. You're voting on the ones that changed how you heard them.
Recorded in November 1993 and aired in December, Nirvana's MTV Unplugged performance took place at Sony Music Studios in New York City. The setlist included several covers, such as songs by Lead Belly and David Bowie. The performance was released posthumously in 1994 and won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. 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.
Alice in Chains recorded their MTV Unplugged performance in April 1996 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Majestic Theatre. It marked one of the band's few live appearances with lead singer Layne Staley in the 1990s. The performance featured acoustic renditions of songs from their earlier albums as well as the premiere of a new track. 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.
Pearl Jam's MTV Unplugged set was filmed in March 1992, shortly after the release of their debut album "Ten." The performance included stripped-down versions of early songs and was recorded at Kaufman Astoria Studios in New York. It was not officially released until many years later. 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!
Eric Clapton recorded his MTV Unplugged performance in January 1992 at Bray Studios in England. The session included a reworked acoustic version of "Layla" and earned Clapton six Grammy Awards. The performance became one of the best-selling live albums of all time. 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.
Stone Temple Pilots recorded their MTV Unplugged appearance in 1993, prior to the release of their second album. The performance included acoustic versions of tracks from their debut album "Core." Some of the songs performed were not aired in the original broadcast. 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.
Neil Young's MTV Unplugged session was recorded in February 1993 at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. The performance included a mix of older songs and selections from his then-new album "Harvest Moon." The live album was released later that year.
Bob Dylan recorded his MTV Unplugged performance in November 1994 at Sony Music Studios in New York City. The setlist featured acoustic renditions of both classic hits and lesser-known tracks. The performance was released as a live album in 1995. 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 November 21, 1965) is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, and actress. Over her four-decade career, she has developed a unique and eclectic musical style that incorporates elements from 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.
KISS performed their MTV Unplugged session in August 1995 at Sony Music Studios in New York. The show featured acoustic versions of their classic hits and included a reunion with original members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley. The performance led to the band's subsequent full reunion tour. 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.
Korn's MTV Unplugged performance was filmed in December 2006 at MTV Studios in Times Square. The set included collaborations with Amy Lee and The Cure. The band used a variety of unconventional acoustic instruments and arrangements. 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.
Bruce Springsteen's MTV Unplugged aired in 1992 under the name "MTV Plugged" because he performed almost the entire set with electric instruments. It was recorded at Warner Hollywood Studios. Only one song was performed acoustically.
Mariah Carey's MTV Unplugged performance was recorded in March 1992 at Kaufman Astoria Studios. It featured a seven-song set including a cover of "I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5. The live EP released from the session achieved commercial success and critical acclaim. 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's MTV Unplugged was recorded in August 1999 at the Grand Ballroom in New York City. It was her first performance entirely in Spanish to gain significant U.S. exposure. The session won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album. Shakira, just before the international breakthrough, is the purest Shakira you will ever see.
Placebo is an English alternative rock band formed in London in 1994 by Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal. They became known for their unique sound and for hits like Every You Every Me and Pure Morning. The band developed a strong international following and continues to record and perform.
Bryan Adams recorded his MTV Unplugged performance in September 1997 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. The concert included a mix of his classic hits and newer material, arranged with orchestral accompaniment. The performance was released as both an album and a televised special.
Soda Stereo's MTV Unplugged performance took place in 1996 under the title "Comfort y Música Para Volar." It was recorded in Miami and featured both live and studio tracks. The session is one of the most recognized Latin American MTV Unplugged performances. The greatest foreign-language band ever!
Alicia Keys recorded her MTV Unplugged performance in July 2005 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The session featured songs from her first two albums and collaborations with other artists including Adam Levine. The live album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
10,000 Maniacs recorded their MTV Unplugged performance in April 1993 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The set featured acoustic versions of their songs as well as a cover of Patti Smith's "Because the Night." It was the last major performance with lead singer Natalie Merchant before her departure. 10,000 Maniacs and Alanis Morissette should both be in the top 10. Both women's vocals are faultless.
Zoé recorded their MTV Unplugged session in 2011, which was released under the title "Música de Fondo." The performance featured orchestral arrangements and guest appearances by several Latin artists. It earned them a Latin Grammy Award. I love this because I feel I can fly!