MTV Unplugged was cultural milestone that transformed how we experience music. Stripped down, raw, and heartfelt, Unplugged sessions brought artists closer to their fans in ways electrified performances often can’t. From legendary debuts to surprise collaborations, here are 50 reasons why MTV Unplugged remains a beloved chapter in music history.
Eric Clapton’s 1992 Unplugged album sold over 26 million copies worldwide and earned him six Grammys, making it the best-selling live acoustic album ever.
Nirvana’s 1993 Unplugged session featured haunting covers, including Lead Belly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” and was one of Kurt Cobain’s last performances.
Mariah Carey’s Unplugged album included her No. 1 cover of “I’ll Be There,” which helped showcase her vocal range in a stripped-down setting.
Rod Stewart charmed audiences with his 1993 Unplugged show, blending his signature raspy voice with acoustic warmth, resulting in a platinum album.
Lauryn Hill’s 2002 Unplugged No. 2.0 stripped away the polish, revealing a raw, emotional, and deeply personal side that earned critical acclaim.
Shakira’s 1999 Unplugged performance won a Grammy and was pivotal in introducing her to English-speaking audiences.
The Eagles’ 1994 “Hell Freezes Over” Unplugged reunion showcased acoustic versions of their biggest hits and marked a historic comeback.
Alice in Chains’ 1996 performance revealed Layne Staley’s fragile yet powerful vocals, creating one of the most emotional Unplugged sessions.
The Cure’s 1991 Unplugged session featured a mix of classics and new songs, highlighting Robert Smith’s haunting voice and the band’s versatility.
K-OS brought a unique hip-hop and live instrumentation fusion to his 2011 Unplugged session, showcasing his diverse talents.
Joe Walsh impressed on the first Unplugged season in 1989, teaming up with Dr. John for a spontaneous and soulful performance.
Don Henley performed his own solo Unplugged episode in 1990, delivering stripped-back versions of Eagles classics.
Phil Collins’ 1994 Unplugged session, though aired mainly in Europe, revealed his knack for heartfelt, intimate performances beyond the stadium.
LL Cool J’s 1991 Unplugged appearance helped pioneer acoustic hip-hop on the platform, blending beats with live instruments.
Paul McCartney’s 1991 Unplugged performance was so influential that it helped cement the show’s cult status.
Sting performed a memorable 1991 Unplugged set focusing on Police hits and solo material, which he later revisited in smaller venues.
Adele’s 2009 Unplugged performance won widespread praise and introduced her voice to a wider audience early in her career.
Katy Perry and All Time Low brought pop and alternative flair to the 2009 MTV Unplugged reboot.
Ten Thousand Maniacs’ 1993 Unplugged show was the last with Natalie Merchant and featured a beautiful cover of “Because the Night.”
Duran Duran’s 1993 Unplugged appearance came after a tour hiatus and included hits like “Serious,” reaffirming their classic sound.
Bruce Springsteen’s 1993 Unplugged included amplified instruments but delivered heartfelt performances capturing his storytelling essence.
Bjork’s 1994 Unplugged special was accompanied by a diverse group of musicians and highlighted her unique, ethereal style.
Neil Young returned for a second Unplugged session in 1993 after being unsatisfied with his first, delivering one of his best performances.
Roxette’s 1993 Unplugged show featured covers of legends like Aretha Franklin and Neil Young, showing their range beyond pop hits.
Soul Asylum’s 1993 session included a duet with Lulu and featured songs before their breakthrough “Runaway Train” video.
Chris Isaak’s 1995 Unplugged performance featured his haunting hit “Wicked Game” in a stunning acoustic setting.
Kiss’ 1995 Unplugged led to the reunion of their original lineup, rekindling their legendary rock chemistry.
Lenny Kravitz performed with an orchestra on his 1994 Unplugged episode, merging rock and symphonic elements.
Björk’s 1994 performance brought acoustic textures to her avant-garde sound, accompanied by diverse instrumentalists.
George Michael’s 1996 Unplugged performance featured a small, intimate crowd and included heartfelt renditions from his solo career.
Hole’s 1995 Unplugged featured string arrangements and debuted unreleased songs, showcasing Courtney Love’s powerful presence.
Cranberries’ 1995 performance offered a delicate, acoustic take on their alt-rock hits, backed by a string quartet.
Dashboard Confessional’s 2002 Unplugged marked the first band without a platinum record to appear, highlighting emo’s rise.
Jay-Z’s 2001 Unplugged with The Roots combined rap with live instrumentation, expanding the possibilities of hip-hop on the show.
Queens of the Stone Age performed their first Unplugged special in 2005, bringing hard rock into the acoustic fold.
Alicia Keys’ 2005 Unplugged featured guests like Mos Def and Adam Levine, highlighting her soulful, piano-driven sound.
Ricky Martin’s 2006 MTV Unplugged won multiple Latin Grammys and went double platinum, spotlighting his Latin pop mastery.
Korn’s 2006 Unplugged included collaborations with Robert Smith and Amy Lee, blending metal with haunting melodies.
Florence and the Machine’s 2012 Unplugged showed Florence Welch’s powerful vocals in a raw, emotional acoustic setting.
Shawn Mendes returned to MTV Unplugged in 2017, captivating fans with heartfelt acoustic renditions of his hits.
Biffy Clyro’s 2017 Unplugged featured stripped-down versions of their rock anthems, showcasing their songwriting depth.
Bleachers’ 2017 Unplugged album included guest vocals from Carly Rae Jepsen and Lorde, mixing indie pop talents.
Miley Cyrus’ 2014 Unplugged featured a duet with Madonna and reimagined tracks from her “Bangerz” era.
Alanis Morissette’s 1999 Unplugged captured her in a reflective, acoustic light that complemented her iconic ’90s hits.
Placebo’s 2015 Unplugged revealed a darker, intimate side of the band’s alternative rock sound.
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s 2021 Unplugged showcased an unforgettable blend of jazz standards and modern flair.
Twenty One Pilots’ 2022 Unplugged featured fresh acoustic takes on their genre-blending hits.
BTS’ 2021 performance made them the first South Korean band featured on Unplugged, showcasing K-pop on a global stage.
Liam Gallagher’s 2019 Unplugged in the UK gave fans raw, stripped-back versions of Oasis classics.
Maxwell’s 1997 Unplugged session included powerful covers like Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work,” blending neo-soul with heartfelt emotion.