8 Unforgettable MTV Unplugged Performances

by K. Gitter

1. Nirvana – “About A Girl”

In 1993, Seattle grunge rock band Nirvana taped a legendary acoustic concert as part of the MTV Unplugged series. In recognition of their epic show, DoYouRemember looks back at the Most Unforgettable MTV Unplugged Performances of All Time.

2.Paul McCartney: “Every Night”

Legendary rocker Paul McCartney’s appearance on MTV Unplugged gave the former Beatle a chance to reach a much younger audience than he was accustomed to at the time, but he certainly got fans going with his unforgettable performance.

3. R.E.M.: “Losing My Religion” (1991)

One of the most impactful songs of the ’90s, R.E.M.’s acoustic version of “Losing My Religion” didn’t dilute its powerful message when the group hit the stage at Chelsea Studios in New York to perform.

4. A Tribe Called Quest: “Can I Kick It?”

Regardless of the venue or situation, there was just something so right about Tribe performing this song for a live audience. The acoustics gave it a live backyard-barbeque type of feel that is missing in today’s rap landscape. And LL Cool J’s performance is a bonus for true hip-hop heads.

5. Eric Clapton: “Tears in Heaven”

Easily one of the most unforgettable performances in the history of MTV was guitar icon Eric Clapton’s touching ballad “Tears in Heaven,” which he penned as a dedication to his son, Conor, who died at age four after a tragic fall.

6. Mariah Carey: “I’ll Be There”

Before she became better known for diva-like behavior, Mariah was one of the most celebrated talents in pop music. Listening to her soulful rendition of this timeless Jackson 5 classic makes it easy to understand why.

7. Neil Young: “Helpless”

Neil’s Young’s MTV Unplugged performance was actually recorded over two separate sessions. This was due to the fact that the rocker wasn’t happy with his New York set. So he pulled the plug and regrouped, sitting down in Los Angeles a few months later for an experience that was much more to his liking.

8. Roxette: “Must Have Been Love”

Roxette’s torchy ballad about a relationship having run its course was a chart-topping hit for the Swedish pop group in 1990. They performed it flawlessly for MTV’s cameras in Stockholm.

SOURCE: https://doyouremember.com/7402/unforgettable-mtv-unplugged-performances