When Plugged-In Stars Went Acoustic
In the 90s and 2000s, MTV Unplugged gave us iconic concerts where huge artists traded distortion for stripped-down intimacy. Without flashy production, raw talent and emotion took center stage. Some shows became career-defining, others legendary. Here are the best Unplugged sets ever, each proving that sometimes less really is more.
Alanis Morissette (1999)
Recorded in New York after Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, Alanis’s Unplugged wasn’t just about hits like “Ironic” or “You Oughta Know”. She chose deep cuts, new songs, and even a Police cover (“King of Pain”). The set showed her artistry beyond the angsty 90s anthem image, capturing her voice and lyrics in haunting intimacy.
Alanis Morissette MTV Unplugged HiRes Audio 96khz 24bit + Video AI Upscaled, HiFi Place.🇨🇱
Rod Stewart (1993)
At Universal Studios in Hollywood, Rod Stewart reunited with Faces bandmate Ron Wood. Together, they revived classics like “Maggie May,” “Reason to Believe,” and “Every Picture Tells a Story”. Rod’s gravelly voice found new life acoustically, and the chemistry with Wood was undeniable. Released as Unplugged...and Seated, it became one of his most beloved live albums.
Rod Stewart - Maggie May (Live Unplugged) (Official HD Remastered Video), Rod Stewart
Biffy Clyro (2018)
Filmed at London’s Roundhouse, the Scottish alt-rockers stripped their towering sound into intimate singalongs. Standouts included “Many of Horror” and a delicate cover of The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows”. Simon Neil’s vocals soared in the stripped arrangements, showing Biffy could be both ferocious and tender. Their Unplugged album won praise for revealing the band's softer side.
Biffy Clyro – Many of Horror (MTV Unplugged Live at Roundhouse, London), Biffy Clyro
Oasis (1996)
Taped at London’s Royal Festival Hall, this performance is infamous for Liam Gallagher’s no-show, leaving brother Noel to sing lead. Instead of collapse, the set thrived: Noel’s takes on “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Live Forever” proved his understated charm. The performance became one of Oasis’s most fascinating chapters, equal parts drama and brilliance.
Oasis - MTV Unplugged 1996 [REMASTERIZADO 2K. HD], 𝙋𝙪𝙣𝙠𝙚𝙧𝘽𝙤𝙞
Lauryn Hill (2001)
Recorded at MTV Studios, Lauryn Hill’s Unplugged No. 2.0 was raw and unfiltered. Accompanied only by acoustic guitar, she debuted unfinished songs like “I Get Out” and gave emotional monologues about her struggles. Critics were divided, but fans saw honesty and vulnerability rarely shown by stars. Today, it’s remembered as a bold, confessional masterpiece.
Shawn Mendes (2017)
Unplugged was rebooted in Los Angeles with Shawn Mendes as its first modern guest. Just 19, he showcased heartfelt versions of “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” and “Mercy”. The stripped-down setting emphasized his guitar work and strong vocals. Mendes’ appearance proved the show still had relevance for a new generation raised on YouTube and streaming.
Shawn Mendes Performs ‘Roses’ | MTV Unplugged, MTV
Yo! Unplugged Rap (1991)
This groundbreaking episode at Kaufman Astoria Studios brought hip-hop to the Unplugged stage. Featuring LL Cool J, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and MC Lyte, it broke barriers. LL’s sweaty, shirtless rendition of “Mama Said Knock You Out” became legendary.
MC Lyte- Cappachino - LIVE UNPLUGGED, erickrassle
R.E.M. (1991 & 2001)
The only band to appear twice, R.E.M. first played in 1991 with career-defining tracks like “Losing My Religion” and “Fall on Me”. A decade later in 2001, they returned with deeper cuts like “All the Way to Reno”. Together, the sets bookend their career peak, showcasing Michael Stipe’s haunting vocals and the band’s acoustic versatility.
REM (R.E.M.) MTV Unplugged 2001, da HiT's Music Channel
Alicia Keys (2005)
Recorded at Brooklyn Academy of Music, Alicia Keys turned her piano ballads into an intimate spectacle. Songs like “Fallin’” and “If I Ain’t Got You” resonated with soulful warmth. She also covered Gladys Knight and brought out guests like Common.
Alicia Keys - Fallin' [Live] [MTV Unplugged] [Remastered In 4K] (Official Music Video), Enjoy it🤍
30 Seconds To Mars (2011)
At Sony Music Studios, Jared Leto’s band turned arena anthems into stripped-down singalongs. Acoustic versions of “Hurricane” and “Closer to the Edge” hit with surprising intimacy, while their cover of U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name” soared.
30 seconds to mars MTV Unplugged Hurricane - Video Oficial, Igor Porto
George Michael (1996)
Filmed in London, George Michael’s set highlighted his unmatched voice. He reinterpreted “Freedom! ’90,” “Father Figure,” and other hits with warmth and vulnerability. It became part of his Older era releases, celebrated as one of his greatest live moments. Stripped of pop production, Michael revealed pure vocal artistry, making the night unforgettable.
George Michael-Father Figure, Joann L.
Neil Young (1993)
At Universal Studios, Neil Young dug deep into his catalog for Unplugged, playing classics like “The Needle and the Damage Done” alongside newer tracks. His raw, raspy vocals gave the set a confessional tone. The performance became one of the show’s most acclaimed albums.
Neil Young - Needle And The Damage Done [Unplugged], neilyoungchannel
Paul McCartney (1991)
Filmed in London, McCartney’s set was one of the earliest Unplugged episodes and the first released as an album. He revisited Beatles classics like “Blackbird” and “We Can Work It Out,” along with Wings and solo hits. Relaxed and playful, McCartney reminded fans of his timeless charm while helping legitimize Unplugged as must-see TV.
PAUL McCARTNEY We Can Work It Out Unplugged Deluxe Yellow Cow, nelson dvoskin
Maxwell (1997)
Neo-soul star Maxwell delivered silky falsetto and emotional power during his Unplugged taping at MTV Studios. Highlights included “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” and a cover of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work”. Though only partially released, the performance became a cult favorite, showcasing Maxwell’s range and cementing him as one of R&B’s most captivating voices.
Maxwell Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder) (live Unplugged), Sean Warren
Mariah Carey (1992)
Mariah Carey stunned doubters during her Brooklyn Academy of Music set. Her duet with Trey Lorenz on The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There” became a #1 hit, while “Vision of Love” silenced critics of her live abilities. The Unplugged EP went multi-platinum, turning the night into a career milestone that proved her vocal dominance.
Mariah Carey - Vision of Love (MTV Unplugged - HD Video), Mariah Carey
Alice in Chains (1996)
Recorded at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Alice in Chains’ Unplugged captured their fragility and power. Layne Staley’s weary yet beautiful vocals, paired with Jerry Cantrell’s harmonies, made “Nutshell” and “Down in a Hole” devastatingly poignant. Coming after a long hiatus, the performance became one of grunge’s most emotional documents, revered by fans.
Alice In Chains - Down in a Hole (MTV Unplugged - HD Video), Alice In Chains
Jay-Z (2001)
Taped at MTV Studios with The Roots as his backing band, Jay-Z reinvented his catalog with live instrumentation. Tracks like “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” and “Big Pimpin’” gained new energy from ?uestlove’s grooves. The collaboration bridged rap and live performance traditions, producing a rare, electrifying set that remains one of Unplugged’s boldest experiments.
Jay Z MTV Unplugged Full Show., Sbuda Dox
Pearl Jam (1992)
Fresh off Ten, Pearl Jam recorded their set in New York, channeling ferocious energy into acoustic form. Eddie Vedder delivered an impassioned “Porch,” even scrawling “Pro Choice” on his arm for emphasis. With stripped takes of “Jeremy” and “Alive,” the set captured their intensity while adding vulnerability.
Alive (Live) - MTV Unplugged - Pearl Jam, Pearl Jam
Eric Clapton (1992)
Clapton’s Unplugged, recorded in Windsor, England, became the format’s best-selling album. Acoustic versions of “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven” redefined his career, blending virtuosity with deep emotion. His blues covers showcased his roots, while the new arrangements felt timeless. It wasn’t just a concert, it was a landmark, cementing Unplugged’s global importance.
Eric Clapton - Tears In Heaven [Unplugged...Over 30 Years Later] (Official Live Video), Eric Clapton
Nirvana (1993)
Filmed at Sony Studios in New York, Nirvana chose not to play only hits. Instead, they covered Meat Puppets, Bowie, and Lead Belly, closing with a haunting “Where Did You Sleep Last Night”. The stripped setting revealed Kurt Cobain’s vulnerability. Released after his death, it became a definitive grunge document and the most famous Unplugged set.
Nirvana - Where Did You Sleep Last Night (Live On MTV Unplugged Unedited), Nirvana
The Cranberries (1995)
At Brooklyn Academy of Music, Dolores O’Riordan’s soaring, emotive vocals stole the show. Acoustic takes on “Zombie” and “Linger” revealed their folk influences and emotional depth. The intimacy of the performance highlighted O’Riordan’s haunting voice, making it one of the most cherished Unplugged sets from the alternative 90s era.
The Cranberries - Linger (from Mtv's Most Wanted) (1994) - Mtv's Music Non Stop, Ania M.
Midnight Oil (1993)
The politically charged Australian band performed in New York, led by towering frontman Peter Garrett. With acoustic versions of “Beds Are Burning” and “Truganini,” their socially conscious lyrics carried even greater weight. Stripped of electric guitars, their message rang clearer, making it one of the most unique Unplugged sessions and a showcase of activism through music.
Midnight Oil - Truganini (from MTV Unplugged DVD), Sony Music Australia
Stone Temple Pilots (1993)
Scott Weiland’s magnetic presence shone during this New York performance. Acoustic versions of “Plush” and “Creep” gave their grunge anthems new vulnerability, while Weiland’s baritone voice added unexpected warmth. The set captured STP at their peak, proving their songs could transcend distortion and stand beautifully on their own.
Jimmy Page & Robert Plant (1994)
Recorded in London and dubbed Unledded, this episode reunited Led Zeppelin’s icons for the first time in years. They reimagined “Kashmir” and “The Battle of Evermore” with Middle Eastern instrumentation, blending rock with world music. The performance reminded fans of their unmatched chemistry and creativity.
led zeppelin kashmir, Rogeh Sead
Soda Stereo (1996)
Argentina’s legendary rock band filmed their Unplugged in Miami, later released as Comfort y Música Para Volar. Gustavo Cerati’s charisma carried the set, blending classics with experimental arrangements. Songs like “En la Ciudad de la Furia” shone in stripped form. The performance brought Unplugged global acclaim, proving the format resonated across languages and cultures.
Soda Stereo EN VIVO @ MTV Unplugged 1996 | Comfort and Music to Fly (4K Remastered), fruzalv
Kiss (1995)
On August 9, 1995, KISS recorded at Sony Studios in New York, shedding makeup and theatrics for acoustic intimacy. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons invited original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, reuniting the classic lineup. Acoustic renditions of “Beth,” “2,000 Man,” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” surprised fans. The night paved the way for their 1996 reunion tour.
Hole (1995)
Taped on Valentine’s Day at Brooklyn Academy of Music, Hole’s set was both fiery and emotional. Courtney Love led the band through Live Through This highlights like “Doll Parts” and “Miss World,” alongside covers of Donovan and Duran Duran. They even played Nirvana’s unreleased “You Know You’re Right”. The rawness made it a haunting grunge classic.
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