MTV Unplugged (TV series)
MTV Unplugged is a television series that showcases musicians performing acoustic versions of their songs, typically in a stripped-down format. Originating in 1989, the series gained traction following memorable performances from artists like Jon Bon Jovi and Eric Clapton, with Clapton's episode becoming the bestselling Unplugged album in the U.S. The show not only featured established stars such as Paul McCartney and Nirvana but also introduced emerging acts, bridging generational gaps in music. Over the years, the program highlighted a diverse range of genres and artists, from rock legends like Bruce Springsteen to innovative performers like Björk, contributing to its cultural significance. Despite fluctuations in popularity, MTV Unplugged helped normalize the acoustic performance style, influencing both artists and audiences alike. By the 2000s, the series experienced a revival, continuing to engage new generations of music fans. Overall, MTV Unplugged has played a vital role in shaping the music landscape, promoting an appreciation for acoustic artistry.
On this Page
Subject Terms
MTV Unplugged (TV series)
Date Began airing in 1989
MTV Unplugged became the first television concert series revolving around popular musicians performing in acoustic settings. The program spawned a series of best-selling sound-track CDs and VHS/DVD releases, which, in some cases, have left a seminal impact on the modern-day entertainment industry.
The roots of “unplugged” music, acoustic music performed by musicians who typically play with electric instruments, date back to Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special and the Beatles’ 1970 documentary Let It Be. Though the trend occasionally crept into concert performances during the early to mid-1980’s, it truly hit a stride in 1989 when Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora (both of the band Bon Jovi) performed stripped-down versions of their hard rock hits “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” during the MTV Video Music Awards.
Following the initial broadcast, the network was flooded with positive feedback over what was still considered an unconventional medium, inspiring MTV producers to brand an entire program around the concept. Though MTV Unplugged debuted in fall, 1989, with an episode led by English rockers Squeeze, the concept did not fully catch on until the following year, becoming a mainstay of the subsequent decade and attracting a cavalcade of marquee names.
One of the series’ most popular 1990 episodes featured guitarists Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe Satriani, two of the most recognizable electric guitar players who proved equally proficient in acoustic contexts. Having those major names on the series landed instant credibility to the program, which soon attracted the likes of Don Henley, Elton John, and Aerosmith. In addition to revisiting the songbooks of already-established stars, the program also introduced new acts of the time, such as metal men Damn Yankees (comprised of Ted Nugent with members of Styx and Night Ranger).
The blockbuster first year also attracted Paul McCartney for one of 1991’s most-viewed episodes, which focused on solo material and several rarely performed Beatles treasures. After inciting extreme fan demand for copies of the recording, he and the network eventually compiled Unplugged: The Official Bootleg (1991), launching the first of several episode sound tracks.
The Glory Years
The momentum from McCartney’s appearance carried over into 1992, which began with an emotional performance from Eric Clapton (who had just lost his young son in an accident). The famed rock guitarist performed “Tears in Heaven,” a tribute to his son; several blues tunes; and a reimagined “Layla” as a jangle-based ballad. Once again, the television audience rapturously received the performance, which led to an audio and video sound-track release. That process was also duplicated by soulful pop star Mariah Carey the same year, followed by Bruce Springsteen, though he was the first artist to tinker with the show’s tried and true formula. “The Boss” and his solo band of that time period performed an intimate concert, but outside of one acoustic selection, ran through the rest of the set with amplified instruments, in turn rebranding that sound track’s title In Concert/MTV Plugged, released in the United States in 1997.
Additional attention came in 1993, when entirely acoustic albums were released by 10,000 Maniacs, Neil Young, and Rod Stewart with Ron Wood. Yet Nirvana’s appearance became one of the most critically acclaimed concerts to date, in part because of the band’s inventive reworking of its alternative rock pedigree and possibly because the album MTV Unplugged in New York was released shortly after singer Kurt Cobain’s 1994 suicide. As MTV Unplugged proved its longevity, producers sought to include an even wider variety of genres and generations and sought out entertainers who would embark on additionally experimental tendencies. The 1994 season featured artists as diverse as vintage swinger Tony Bennett, ex-Led Zeppelin members Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, electronic artist Björk, and folk troubadour Bob Dylan.
The 1995 season highlight came from Kiss, not only because the band reunited all four original members but also because it was the band’s first-ever concert appearance without its trademark makeup. In fact, public reaction was so rabid over the taping and sound track that it prompted a full-fledged Kiss reunion tour. The following year was best known for a notorious episode involving the English rock band Oasis, whose lead guitarist, Noel Gallagher, substituted vocals for his temporarily estranged brother Liam.
Tapings remained regular throughout 1997 (including a sound track from Bryan Adams), but the production schedule slowed down considerably as the decade came to a close. Despite the network pumping most of its promotion into the music-video countdown show Total Request Live, there was still considerable interest in Björk’s 1998 return to the series, along with 1999 performances by the Corrs, Shakira, and Alanis Morissette. As a result of the groundwork built throughout the 1990’s, MTV Unplugged remained a visible brand via occasional episodes throughout the 2000’s, relaunching with regularity for a full 2007 season.
Impact
While the concept of unplugged music first seemed risky and unconventional, this program shaped the performance style into a mainstream phenomenon. In doing so, MTV Unplugged helped springboard the careers of several newcomers, while simultaneously reviving public awareness of older artists and introducing them to younger audiences. Though the show’s popularity fluctuated at various points of its lengthy run, the concept lingered on and earned a revival with an entirely new generation.
Bibliography
Gundersen, Edna. “MTV Flips the Switch Back on for ’Unplugged.’” USA Today, September 20, 2007, 18D. An article tracing the birthing and revival of MTV Unplugged, including an analysis of key episodes and a sidebar of its best-selling sound tracks.
McGrath, Tom. MTV: The Making of a Revolution. Philadelphia: Running Press, 1996. This historical documentation of the famed music channel features coverage of MTV Unplugged, including information about several famous episodes and the show’s overall contributions to the music industry at large.
MTV. MTV Uncensored. New York: Pocket Books/MTV, 2001. Compiles a series of interviews, quotes, and sound bites featured on various programs, including MTV Unplugged. Focuses on the network’s most outrageous and outlandish guests, incidents, and bloopers.