The TV show MTV Unplugged was a big hit during the 1990s, back when the “M” still actually stood for “Music.”
MTV Unplugged featured major music artists playing acoustic sets in a small, intimate setting. Many of the sessions were then released as CDs.
Here, Eric Clapton debuted his revised version of “Layla” – a version that was a major departure from the original.
I’ve got two versions here because apparently the actual MTV Unplugged video of Eric Clapton’s appearance isn’t available. So here is the rehearsal version video and an audio-only clip of the actual live performance, which starts with a mocking challenge: “See if you can spot this one.”
The rehearsal version:
“See if you can spot this one.”
Nirvana‘s Unplugged: an iconic performance during the brief Nirvana heyday – before Kurt Cobain’s death.
The 10,000 Maniacs had a huge hit with their cover of “Because the Night.”
Tony Bennett
a-Ha with a haunting rendition of “Take on Me.“
Page & Plant singing “Gallow’s Pole.” It’s not an original take like “Layla” or “Take On Me,” but it’s a great performance nonetheless.
Another Eric Clapton song, this one an original for Unplugged – a heartbreaking song to his young deceased son.
R.E.M. “Losing My Religion.”
The Eurythmics – “Here Comes the Rain Again”
This one may not be as timeless, but I still remember it vividly. Live – “Lightning Crashes”
