What is your favorite MTV Unplugged performance? Who do you think would do well in the Unplugged setting? Leave a comment and let everyone know! Click below to hear music from each MTV Unplugged performance discussed: Alice In Chains - “Nutshell” = ruclips.net/video/9EKi2E9dVY8/видео.html Biffy Clyro - “Many Of Horror” = ruclips.net/video/Tuxu77XekMQ/видео.html Eric Clapton - “Tears In Heaven” = ruclips.net/video/aRjxNj-NchU/видео.html Florence + The Machine - “No Light, No Light” = ruclips.net/video/3RD8V6f49Ss/видео.html Jimmy Page & Robert Plant - “Kashmir” = ruclips.net/video/9vbeilE0UrQ/видео.html KISS - “Rock And Roll All Nite” = ruclips.net/video/d9_D-XDcmnA/видео.html Nirvana - “Come As You Are” = ruclips.net/video/z9LiPuVRyU8/видео.html Oasis - “Don’t Look Back In Anger” = ruclips.net/video/QWXaUJ78hZI/видео.html Pearl Jam - “Jeremy” = ruclips.net/video/nL3RLO1-oQI/видео.html Stone Temple Pilots - “Creep” = ruclips.net/video/8YcvxdmG9mM/видео.html Check out more of our videos below: 10 Music Videos Banned By MTV = ruclips.net/video/YuKMGwTlRA0/видео.html 10 Bands Metal Elitists Hate = ruclips.net/video/CveEOqc8eZ8/видео.html Queen Deserved More Truth In Bohemian Rhapsody = ruclips.net/video/XI27N9wGMIk/видео.html 10 Great Nu Metal Albums (yes, really) = ruclips.net/video/mjFZb0NCwoI/видео.html
Agreed, but I still won't say anyone who says Nirvana's was better that they are wrong. I can only say why I prefer Alice in Chains the greatest MTV Unplugged of all-time. From an unbiased perspective I believe it really is a 1a and 1b thing and just a matter of preference.
I always thought the Alice In Chains Unplugged set list worked great as an album and as a live show. It had a nice balance of greatest hits and album cuts. Layne and Jerry’s vocal harmonies help make that show a cut above the rest, as well as the back and forth with Metallica haha. Nirvana’s Unplugged had some iconic moments like their cover of “Man Who Sold the World” but at the same time I didn’t come to watch the Meat Puppets Unplugged! In the mid 90s half of that AIC Unplugged was being played on the radio as singles. There are a lot of parallels between the Nirvana show and the Alice In Chains show like how both bands brought in an extra guitarist (Pat Smear and Scott Olson) both of which were great. Both bands did covers, difference was AIC’s covers were either mocking Metallica between songs or the band singing songs from Hee Haw (which is on the DVD but not the CD) and the obvious heroin usage by the band’s frontmen. And just think that the AIC show could’ve had “Love Hate Love” in the set list as well if it would’ve came together in rehearsal. I will say that as an album I think the AIC set list flows perfectly song to song and it was genius to open with “Nutshell” using the structure of the song to have each band member come out one at a time to join in until Layne finally comes out and starts singing.
Alice In Chains hands down have the best Unplugged session of all time. It was just magical watching theirs compared to like Nirvana’s or Oasis sessions. Seeing them play together after 2 1/2 years of hiatus and Layne being sick and doped up on heroin just shows how talented he was and how they could still play great music live.
@@AlbertoBalsalm nirvanas was good, but it wasn’t near as good as Alice In Chains. Nirvana had so much more high quality stuff and production compared to Alice In Chains session, and AIC still shined brighter than Nirvana’s and every other MTV unplugged.
@@gunsnbeer3392 Nirvana’s unplugged is better than Alice In Chain’s unplugged in every single way. Alice In Chains doesn’t even have the second best unplugged. Even Pearl Jam did better and played better. And in terms of “shining bright” AIC unplugged isn’t even comparable to Nirvana’s. Typical AIC fan boy.
@@AlbertoBalsalm actually guns is right and fanboy? Really but anyways AICs unplugged is the best because of the drug use and the fact that Layne had already started losing his teeth and was well into his addiction. I watched both Nirvana’s and Alice’s live but to each their own
@@AcidWaves80 No he isn’t. Yes, fanboy. AIC fans are always comparing the most bottom tier grunge band to the other 3 big bands and makes sure everyone in every comment section of every video related to grunge knows aic is the best even though that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Nirvana’s unplugged was recorded 5 months before Kurt’s death and he was heavily addicted and depressed, your point doesn’t work. Nirvana had the better unplugged by miles.
Old. Ha. Alice Unplugged came out 6 years after I got out of the service, i.e, about 10 years after I graduated high school. I am old, but have seen a multitude of epic concerts.
I still listen to the Alice in Chains one and just wonder where we would be if Layne didn't fall into the pit of drugs. An amazing and unique voice that I wish we still had here. But, I understand why Nirvana took #1. You can't touch a performance where they did covers that are unique and played on the radio as if they're originals to this day. It's just impossible to not choose something that was so legendary, that throughout the 90s and early 2000s, I kept hearing even deep cuts off of this on local radio. Just nuts how much airplay it got, and STILL gets!
Unfortunately Heroin had too much of a grip on Layne it got so bad that their record label was purposely keeping the band off tour hoping that Lane would stay clean but he just couldn't.
@@Blackout_1692 that, and the death of Demri Lara Parrott. He loved her so much, but when she passed in late 1996, he became a shell of his former self. He literally didn't care anymore.
@Matt Stevenson no, but he was really close with her. They were engaged at one point, but even after that broke off, he still loved her immensely and it helped seal his downfall when she died.
Nah, AiC performance is WAY better than Nirvana's. The vocals and instruments are perfection. On the other hand, Kurt's voice was kinda fried by the time he did the unplugged show.
@@TheStepmonkey oh, I agree. I just know that the reason why Nirvana Unplugged is such a legendary show is that only a few months later, Kurt was dead, the songs were all over the radio, and you couldn't walk 3 steps without hearing something from the album. The AiC one I feel is better, but that's my bias toward them. They were my favorite grunge band and they still are to this day. But you couldn't hear as much from their unplugged set as you could/still can from Nirvana's. It is what it is, unfortunately.
Just watched AIC for the 100th time. Searched top 10 mtv unplugged performances and if AIC wasn’t at least top 3, I planned to riot. Well everyone agrees with me. Such an unbelievable performance.
AIC hands down...a highlight for me personally was to witness the song "Got Me Wrong" unplugged...I just needed to see/hear how that unbelievable chorus was done stripped down and was not let down...I'v never heard any band that can cover AIC straight, and tunes like Man in the Box and Got me Wrong, just go home you can't cut it lol
Don't forget the raw feed that has their take on "Rockin' In The Free World" as well. I absolutely love PJ's Unplugged session. Edit: Found that raw feed! ruclips.net/video/VmeZ3kOgIOE/видео.html
Alice In Chains by far it was the best of the unplugged sets you can feel the pain Layne Staley was going through. RIP LAYNE STALEY 20 years without him 😢
Alice in Chains by far had the best all round Unplugged performance. Back story too the band basically on the verge of a break up. First show in 3 years, Jerry being sick and they absolutely knocked it outta the park
I think Queensryche should be recognized. They did an incredible job. They changed the arrangement to fit an acoustic setting so it didn't just sound like the album version done the same with acoustic guitars. That's what a lot of bands did and I didn't think it required much creativity. I think Queensryche was an overlooked, stellar performance.
alice in chains. not only do they deliver a killer show, but layne's funny at various moments, they give metallica shit, and even play part of one of their songs.
Ha, when Layne messed up in Sludge Factory almost no more ne noticed til he said “Fuuuuuuuuck” and Jerry was like “ well I guess they will have to listen to more “ 🤣
I grew up an 80's hairband guy but when Alice in Chains came out with that "Hit you in the face" style of music I became an instant fan and they still remain one of my favorites still to this day. The passion in which they were able to play and have it translate into their music is 2nd to none. Thank you for that A.I.C.
Hands down favorite Alice In Chains. As a matter of fact, I watched it this afternoon. I have the DVD, a cassette and (2) of the CDs. (Of course I've uploaded digital copies to my server as well!
As a big fan of Biffy Clyro for the past 15 years or so, it’s great to see them getting recognition like this at long last. Also pleased to see you giving them the thumbs up on Rock Coliseum too! Biffy aside, the overall list is brilliant. Great video!
Your numbers 1-2-3 are SPOT ON. I do think, however, that The Cranberries Valentine's Day 1995 unplugged session was amazing. I was sad for not seeing it on your list. Other than that, GREAT VIDEO!!!
I have to check that out! Hope they played “Pain Lies on the Riverside.” Such a killer bass line! One of those bands that were around during the grunge era that did their own thing and were great doing it and deserve more love these days.
I remember tuning into that on a Sunday evening , after Id just seen Judge Dredd in the Cinema that day.😁 Its a very good performance, filmed at the height of "Throwng Copper"s success. That album is a somewhat lost classic these days. It was right after the early 90s Seattle explosion, and in the middle of Green Day detonating a mid-decade riff and rift change with Dookie.
I can't go a week without listening to Pearl Jam Unplugged purely for how good Eddie's performance was. AIC and Nirvana's are also unbelievably good and as for Clapton, it was the first time I'd ever heard him when it was aired live, I was only a kid and was blown away and one of the reasons picked up a guitar for the first time
The unplugged sessions with AIC and Nirvana always bring me to tears without fail. They are bittersweet, haunting, sad but beautiful at the same. The whole set list for both were beyond amazing but my two standouts were Nutshell and Where did you sleep last night. You could feel the pain and anguish coming out of these two beautiful but very tormented souls. Sadly they both succumbed to their demons, Kurt not long after this performance and Layne exactly 8 years to the day Kurt passed. Kurt and Layne are two truly iconic talents that will always be missed and never forgotten. Vale Kurt and Layne 😢
The Alice in Chains performance will never fail to give me chills. Everything about it. Whenever i listen to it, i forget it’s live. It’s so beautifully arranged and recorded. Once they really find their step after the first minute or so, they become so together. A tightness that every live band dreams to have. Simply incredible.
Alice in chains is so far clear for me. Performed exactly 28 years ago tomorrow. It was a miracle Layne even showed up, AIC hadn’t practiced, let alone performed for 2.5 years. Flawless
Wow. About right!!! So rare I can agree on these sorts of rankings! Yea, I’d put AiC as “1a” and Nirvana as “1b”, but really; you were super fair and clear about it. Nice list! Thank you!!!!
When I think of MTV Unplugged three performers come to mind (in this order); Eric Clapton, Nirvana, Pearl Jam. The show format was enthralling and I'm sure I would instantly recognize other performances as being significant, but those three were perfection.
And led directly to the 1996 reunion. I saw KISS the first time in 1983, right after Ace wrecked his Delorean. Vinnie Vincent in hideous Egyptian face paint stood in. I was 18 and the notion that I would EVER get to see the original band was fast fading. Then MTV Unplugged happened. Boom. It’s been sort of rocky ever since, but that 1996 show was magic.
Great list. Your top 4 especially are completely untouchable. 2 more honorable mentions I would add are 10,000 Maniacs and R.E.M.'s 1991 set. As for who i would like to see do one now.... the Foos def would've been my top choice before we lost Taylor, A Jack White set would be cool, and I know it's a cop-out, but I'd love to see another (much longer) PJ set with later hits.
Alice In Chains will always be my favourite MTV Unplugged session. It's bittersweet because although it was absolutely epic and Layne did his legendary best (including any verse fuck ups..he made up for them beautifully) but he was clearly losing the battle his demons had him fighting. By then, really, he had lost. As Sean Kinney said...it's like watching him sing at his own funeral. Extremely heartbreaking to witness for us hardcore Layneaholics😔. My second favourite is definitely Nirvana. A hauntingly beautiful session to watch. Edit- I forgot about STP..oops. Their Unplugged session was awesome aswell.
Despite what Todd in the Shadows thinks about MTV Unplugged series or acoustic music, they can be beautiful and pleasant to listen to (when not being played by John Mayer).
i'd put alice in chains MTV unplugged over nirvana's unplugged performance, why? it's simple, this performance is full of mix emotions. nutshell, brother, down in a hole, rooster, angry chair, would?, no excuses and sludge factory are my favorite tracks on this performance, goosebumps!
Despite Liam not singing, Oasis' performance was dope. Nirvana and AIC are my favorites but also in the mix was Live, Pearl Jam, STP, LL Cool J, Fiona Apple, Oasis, man there were a ton of great performances.
Honorable mention for me, Queensryche's from 1993. Done to promote their upcoming "Promised Land" album, it was a great look at why they were such an underrated act in the late 80s and early to mid 90s. Listening to Tate at the tail end of his prime as well as the technical prowess of Chris DeGarmo is just awesome, but doesn't crack the top ten for rather obvious reasons that were explained here. Still an awesome show that I'd recommend. Also, I'd love to see Shinedown or Ghost, particularly just to hear Shinedown's "Bully" in this stripped manner. Maybe it gains bonus emotion like Pearl Jam's "Black" or Layne's power when singing "Down In A Hole".
@@Jillbles It's amazing. I don't believe they ever released it as a standalone album though, which might be why it got swept away, sadly. "The Killing Words" is truly amazing.
Unless Queensryche performed twice, this unplugged was actually at the tail end of the Empire tour cycle. In fact within a month or so of Pearl Jam in the spring of 1992. Promised land wasn’t released for another 2 1/2 years after the unplugged performance. That said, “Della Brown” should have definitely been on the list.
So happy to see biffy clyro on the list. This MTV unplugged album got me into them and is just beautiful. They even manage to bring my whole family together when it comes to music even though our tastes differ pretty much.
Korn's unplugged performance is also amazing. I understand why you have the performances you do on there but I think Korn's should be somewhere on this list. For your question at the end, I would love to see a Rise Against unplugged session.
I love Korn's unplugged album. When I first heard they had done an unplugged I was extremely dubious and just thought it wouldn't work. They totally nailed it though, and Amy Lee's guest vocals work so well.
I knew there was this comment out here! Korn really impressed me. It's all about the arrengments, fellas! Whether you like them or not, or even your opinion regards nu metal, but that unplugged was something else. They really capture the essence of an evening meant for an unplugged concert. Covers, special guests, and the redefinition of their own hits
The Nirvana and Alice in Chains unplugged are legendary God tier performances it's insane how good those performances were especially Alice in Chains given the state of Layne Staley's health at the time he was the living embodiment of the despair/pain/hopelessness in the lyrics probably more so than when the lyrics were first written
Great video as always, Luke! To answer the question at the end, I think Rise Against would do a great Unplugged session! I've seen them live twice (and will again for the third time this summer), and the acoustic medley during their show is amazing!
I kinda think Tobias Forge would be an interesting Unplugged Performance based on his interviews discussing his early work and playing a few bars on an accoustic guitar
a special shoutout for alanis morissette! giving us the inspirational song “no pressure over cappuccino” that was sometimes performed during the jagged little pill era! however, her rendition of “that i would be good” is sooo touching during her unplugged performance. plus, she covered the police song “king of pain” too!
Nirvana & Alice In Chains performance’s were stellar , but Pearl Jam is the best . You can feel the crowds energy through the T.V. Most notably with the songs Black & Porch .
Glad you said that the top 2 were #1. I was a teenager when those two bands came out and remember watching both of them when they came on MTV. Awesome list by the way. It is hard to choose between them.
Great video. I agree Nirvana and Alice In Chains could flip flop. I’d have done AIC #1, but I’m ok w this list. Pearl Jam is 3 too. I’d love to see Social Distortion unplugged
Take into consideration that the Alice in Chains MTV Unplugged show was the only time Frogs or Over Now was played live and had many live debuts mainly for the Tripod songs and Killer is Me.
The songs from the Nirvana Unplugged like The Man Who Sold The World, Plateau, Where Did You Sleep Last Night, & All Apologies are all still played alot on rock radio.
Great list, and I agree, you had two number ones there. LL Cool J did a fantastic Unplugged in 1991. It was rap stripped to its core and really showing its roots in blues and jazz. I would love to see Avatar get the full Unplugged treatment. Them, or Ghost. Both bands have done acoustic sets from time to time that really shows their skills.
Totally agree about the LL Cool J Unplugged. I understand he kept his list all rock, but that Unplugged would be in my top 5 easily. The band and the arrangements were phenomenal.
Came here to make sure this was mentioned. That show was 1991 and showed what rap-style vocals with a live band could do in terms of pure power. Rage Against The Machine early shows on youtube are all from 1992. Keep that in mind when watching this performance from Uncle L.
I've always thought and heard Clapton's has been the best as far as musicality, surprisingly iconic and famous along with the fact they perform genres that reaches more people/cultures and it sold best.
My first introduction to Unplugged was Unplugged in New York Nirvana. I probably listened to that cassette tape/CD/digital copy well over 100 times. In my opinion it is a must to listen to. Especially the song Where did you sleep last night. Kurt did a great job. You can hear the emotion in his voice. 10/10 performance in my opinion.
I never really cared for KISS even today but that unplugged was a game changer for me. I was like 13-14, and just had a ton of respect for these guys after that performance.
They use to do it all the time at skate and surf in Asbury Park NJ they would play one night and the next day proforma under a made up name and play an acoustic set, in 2004 I got lucky I went into the theater to wait for HIM to play and aband I never heard was playing first dark lights then you new jerseys bounds the whole place turned a look an became quiet as Claudio went on it was awsome
I absolutely love your Ghost zip up Hoodie! Ghost is my favorite band! This MTV list was awesome! To bad MTV doesn't do anything like this anymore and they don't play music videos 😪 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘
One of the things you didn't mention about the KISS session was how obscure their setlist was. They omitted almost all of their classics/live staples in favor of extreme deep cuts from Dynasty, Gene's Solo album, Hotter than Hell, and The Elder. It sounded like a completely different band.
Love the list...but it should not be forgotten the origin of acoustic live gigs began with Tesla's Five Man Acoustical Band. It would be awesome to see an episode that involves artists that weren't on MTV but played acoustically...Dream Theater. Metallica , Godsmack and other artists deserve nod on a Rocked episode
I agree with the list especially the top 2, although I would put AIC #1. One that I expected to see on the list but didnt was 10,000 Maniacs which is a great record.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
What is your favorite MTV Unplugged performance? Who do you think would do well in the Unplugged setting? Leave a comment and let everyone know!
Click below to hear music from each MTV Unplugged performance discussed:
Alice In Chains - “Nutshell” = ruclips.net/video/9EKi2E9dVY8/видео.html
Biffy Clyro - “Many Of Horror” = ruclips.net/video/Tuxu77XekMQ/видео.html
Eric Clapton - “Tears In Heaven” = ruclips.net/video/aRjxNj-NchU/видео.html
Florence + The Machine - “No Light, No Light” = ruclips.net/video/3RD8V6f49Ss/видео.html
Jimmy Page & Robert Plant - “Kashmir” = ruclips.net/video/9vbeilE0UrQ/видео.html
KISS - “Rock And Roll All Nite” = ruclips.net/video/d9_D-XDcmnA/видео.html
Nirvana - “Come As You Are” = ruclips.net/video/z9LiPuVRyU8/видео.html
Oasis - “Don’t Look Back In Anger” = ruclips.net/video/QWXaUJ78hZI/видео.html
Pearl Jam - “Jeremy” = ruclips.net/video/nL3RLO1-oQI/видео.html
Stone Temple Pilots - “Creep” = ruclips.net/video/8YcvxdmG9mM/видео.html
Check out more of our videos below:
10 Music Videos Banned By MTV = ruclips.net/video/YuKMGwTlRA0/видео.html
10 Bands Metal Elitists Hate = ruclips.net/video/CveEOqc8eZ8/видео.html
Queen Deserved More Truth In Bohemian Rhapsody = ruclips.net/video/XI27N9wGMIk/видео.html
10 Great Nu Metal Albums (yes, really) = ruclips.net/video/mjFZb0NCwoI/видео.html
The Cure
The first REM one was pretty special.
Layla its a totally different take on the song and it reminds me of being 6 in 92 and my mom partying all night listening to the blues
Avenged sevenfold. Even tho we got that with the Grammy museum album
Nine inch nails
Nothing will beat Alice In Chains Unplugged for me.
Honestly 😫🙏
Agreed, but I still won't say anyone who says Nirvana's was better that they are wrong. I can only say why I prefer Alice in Chains the greatest MTV Unplugged of all-time. From an unbiased perspective I believe it really is a 1a and 1b thing and just a matter of preference.
Nirvana is the best
Me too
Layne lives on 💪🏽
The Alice in Chains performance is still my favorite. Would? especially is terrific.
I always thought the Alice In Chains Unplugged set list worked great as an album and as a live show. It had a nice balance of greatest hits and album cuts. Layne and Jerry’s vocal harmonies help make that show a cut above the rest, as well as the back and forth with Metallica haha. Nirvana’s Unplugged had some iconic moments like their cover of “Man Who Sold the World” but at the same time I didn’t come to watch the Meat Puppets Unplugged! In the mid 90s half of that AIC Unplugged was being played on the radio as singles. There are a lot of parallels between the Nirvana show and the Alice In Chains show like how both bands brought in an extra guitarist (Pat Smear and Scott Olson) both of which were great. Both bands did covers, difference was AIC’s covers were either mocking Metallica between songs or the band singing songs from Hee Haw (which is on the DVD but not the CD) and the obvious heroin usage by the band’s frontmen. And just think that the AIC show could’ve had “Love Hate Love” in the set list as well if it would’ve came together in rehearsal. I will say that as an album I think the AIC set list flows perfectly song to song and it was genius to open with “Nutshell” using the structure of the song to have each band member come out one at a time to join in until Layne finally comes out and starts singing.
Agree with Alice and Nirvana. They are both sensational unplugged performances; they just hit differently.
Pearl Jam? Or is it Pearl Marmalade?
Alice In Chains truly owned it!
Alice In Chains hands down have the best Unplugged session of all time. It was just magical watching theirs compared to like Nirvana’s or Oasis sessions. Seeing them play together after 2 1/2 years of hiatus and Layne being sick and doped up on heroin just shows how talented he was and how they could still play great music live.
They definitely don’t. Nirvana’s unplugged is untouchable.
@@AlbertoBalsalm nirvanas was good, but it wasn’t near as good as Alice In Chains. Nirvana had so much more high quality stuff and production compared to Alice In Chains session, and AIC still shined brighter than Nirvana’s and every other MTV unplugged.
@@gunsnbeer3392 Nirvana’s unplugged is better than Alice In Chain’s unplugged in every single way. Alice In Chains doesn’t even have the second best unplugged. Even Pearl Jam did better and played better. And in terms of “shining bright” AIC unplugged isn’t even comparable to Nirvana’s. Typical AIC fan boy.
@@AlbertoBalsalm actually guns is right and fanboy? Really but anyways AICs unplugged is the best because of the drug use and the fact that Layne had already started losing his teeth and was well into his addiction. I watched both Nirvana’s and Alice’s live but to each their own
@@AcidWaves80 No he isn’t. Yes, fanboy. AIC fans are always comparing the most bottom tier grunge band to the other 3 big bands and makes sure everyone in every comment section of every video related to grunge knows aic is the best even though that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Nirvana’s unplugged was recorded 5 months before Kurt’s death and he was heavily addicted and depressed, your point doesn’t work. Nirvana had the better unplugged by miles.
I love Alice in Chains and Nirvana. I still have Nirvana CD and the AiC show was done the year I graduated high school. God i feel old....
Those are worth owning hard copy for sure.
Old. Ha. Alice Unplugged came out 6 years after I got out of the service, i.e, about 10 years after I graduated high school. I am old, but have seen a multitude of epic concerts.
What I wouldn’t give to be watching these again for the first time. Chills.
U ain't as old as me I graduated in 1990 lol.
I graduate in 96 too, I feel old cause I out lived a lot of the guys in bands I liked . I got a 3 way tie 🤣STP, AIC and Nirvana 😎
I still listen to the Alice in Chains one and just wonder where we would be if Layne didn't fall into the pit of drugs. An amazing and unique voice that I wish we still had here. But, I understand why Nirvana took #1. You can't touch a performance where they did covers that are unique and played on the radio as if they're originals to this day. It's just impossible to not choose something that was so legendary, that throughout the 90s and early 2000s, I kept hearing even deep cuts off of this on local radio. Just nuts how much airplay it got, and STILL gets!
Unfortunately Heroin had too much of a grip on Layne it got so bad that their record label was purposely keeping the band off tour hoping that Lane would stay clean but he just couldn't.
@@Blackout_1692 that, and the death of Demri Lara Parrott. He loved her so much, but when she passed in late 1996, he became a shell of his former self. He literally didn't care anymore.
@Matt Stevenson no, but he was really close with her. They were engaged at one point, but even after that broke off, he still loved her immensely and it helped seal his downfall when she died.
Nah, AiC performance is WAY better than Nirvana's. The vocals and instruments are perfection. On the other hand, Kurt's voice was kinda fried by the time he did the unplugged show.
@@TheStepmonkey oh, I agree. I just know that the reason why Nirvana Unplugged is such a legendary show is that only a few months later, Kurt was dead, the songs were all over the radio, and you couldn't walk 3 steps without hearing something from the album. The AiC one I feel is better, but that's my bias toward them. They were my favorite grunge band and they still are to this day. But you couldn't hear as much from their unplugged set as you could/still can from Nirvana's. It is what it is, unfortunately.
Just watched AIC for the 100th time. Searched top 10 mtv unplugged performances and if AIC wasn’t at least top 3, I planned to riot. Well everyone agrees with me. Such an unbelievable performance.
AIC hands down...a highlight for me personally was to witness the song "Got Me Wrong" unplugged...I just needed to see/hear how that unbelievable chorus was done stripped down and was not let down...I'v never heard any band that can cover AIC straight, and tunes like Man in the Box and Got me Wrong, just go home you can't cut it lol
Pearl Jam’s performance of the song “Porch” from unplugged is flat out amazing
Eddie singer black is heartbreaking
Agreed. The whole set was great.
Don't forget the raw feed that has their take on "Rockin' In The Free World" as well. I absolutely love PJ's Unplugged session.
Edit: Found that raw feed! ruclips.net/video/VmeZ3kOgIOE/видео.html
Absofreakingloutely.
Listening to the entire performance now and man eddie’s vocals on “Black” are some of the most raw emotional vocals I have ever heard
I loved them all, but Nirvana doing "The man who sold the World" is one of my favourite all time covers.
My too!!!i think nirvana wins hère...After i think Jonathan...
@@dimitrakapa4887 nirvana was close but aic owned it
Alice In Chains by far it was the best of the unplugged sets you can feel the pain Layne Staley was going through. RIP LAYNE STALEY 20 years without him 😢
And as of yesterday, 21 yrs.. Layne was everything
Those grunge Unplugged presentations were the best of all time
My god, how alice in chains unplugged was so legendary it still give chills...
Alice in Chains by far had the best all round Unplugged performance. Back story too the band basically on the verge of a break up. First show in 3 years, Jerry being sick and they absolutely knocked it outta the park
I think my favourite is the Alice in Chains concert. It is mesmerising.
I think Queensryche should be recognized. They did an incredible job. They changed the arrangement to fit an acoustic setting so it didn't just sound like the album version done the same with acoustic guitars. That's what a lot of bands did and I didn't think it required much creativity. I think Queensryche was an overlooked, stellar performance.
alice in chains. not only do they deliver a killer show, but layne's funny at various moments, they give metallica shit, and even play part of one of their songs.
Ha, when Layne messed up in Sludge Factory almost no more ne noticed til he said “Fuuuuuuuuck” and Jerry was like “ well I guess they will have to listen to more “ 🤣
"What's my motivation here?" - Layne
I have Alice unplugged on CD and listen in the car all the time. Best is Nutshell and Down in a Hole
I grew up an 80's hairband guy but when Alice in Chains came out with that "Hit you in the face" style of music I became an instant fan and they still remain one of my favorites still to this day. The passion in which they were able to play and have it translate into their music is 2nd to none.
Thank you for that A.I.C.
Personal opinion, i would always rank aic's performance 1. How sick he was at that time and still knocked it out the park.
Layne was not at his best but still 100% better than most all other singers.
@@sportsmom165 i thought even at that state he was better then anyone in that era
It’s heartbreaking to see and a perfect example of how evil drugs are.
Hands down favorite Alice In Chains. As a matter of fact, I watched it this afternoon. I have the DVD, a cassette and (2) of the CDs. (Of course I've uploaded digital copies to my server as well!
As a big fan of Biffy Clyro for the past 15 years or so, it’s great to see them getting recognition like this at long last. Also pleased to see you giving them the thumbs up on Rock Coliseum too! Biffy aside, the overall list is brilliant. Great video!
Your numbers 1-2-3 are SPOT ON. I do think, however, that The Cranberries Valentine's Day 1995 unplugged session was amazing. I was sad for not seeing it on your list. Other than that, GREAT VIDEO!!!
Pleasantly surprised to see Biffy on the list. They deserve so much more recognition.
Korn's preformance was also amazing.
The band Live (yeah that's their actual name) also had an amazing unplugged performance way too overlooked.
I have to check that out! Hope they played “Pain Lies on the Riverside.” Such a killer bass line! One of those bands that were around during the grunge era that did their own thing and were great doing it and deserve more love these days.
I had forgotten that, but you're right, it was great.
I remember tuning into that on a Sunday evening , after Id just seen Judge Dredd in the Cinema that day.😁 Its a very good performance, filmed at the height of "Throwng Copper"s success. That album is a somewhat lost classic these days. It was right after the early 90s Seattle explosion, and in the middle of Green Day detonating a mid-decade riff and rift change with Dookie.
The unplugged version on “white discussion “ is still one of my favorite unplugged moments
The Live performance was brilliant! Supernatural was great and their own songs were fantastic!
I can't go a week without listening to Pearl Jam Unplugged purely for how good Eddie's performance was. AIC and Nirvana's are also unbelievably good and as for Clapton, it was the first time I'd ever heard him when it was aired live, I was only a kid and was blown away and one of the reasons picked up a guitar for the first time
For me Alice in chains unplugged is perfect and of course the best one, it is a masterpiece
Great list. Delighted to see Biffy Clyro make a list on that side of the Atlantic.
As we say here “ ‘Mon the Biff!”
I to was pleasantly surprised to see Biffy Clyro on the list.
10,000 Maniacs didn't even make your list? Boo! Sir! I'm taking my like back!
The unplugged sessions with AIC and Nirvana always bring me to tears without fail. They are bittersweet, haunting, sad but beautiful at the same. The whole set list for both were beyond amazing but my two standouts were Nutshell and Where did you sleep last night. You could feel the pain and anguish coming out of these two beautiful but very tormented souls. Sadly they both succumbed to their demons, Kurt not long after this performance and Layne exactly 8 years to the day Kurt passed. Kurt and Layne are two truly iconic talents that will always be missed and never forgotten. Vale Kurt and Layne 😢
This sums up both performances perfectly.
yes, we were witnesses of 2 guys dying and we didn't know, which is truly sad. both shows blew my mind at the time, and still today...
The Alice in Chains performance will never fail to give me chills. Everything about it. Whenever i listen to it, i forget it’s live. It’s so beautifully arranged and recorded. Once they really find their step after the first minute or so, they become so together. A tightness that every live band dreams to have. Simply incredible.
Just came across this channel yesterday. You've easily gained my subscription! Love your content and keep it up!!
Alice in chains is so far clear for me. Performed exactly 28 years ago tomorrow. It was a miracle Layne even showed up, AIC hadn’t practiced, let alone performed for 2.5 years. Flawless
It’s a close one for me but all of the Grunge Era bands will always be the best of all time. Alice In Chains was so deep!
Wow. About right!!! So rare I can agree on these sorts of rankings!
Yea, I’d put AiC as “1a” and Nirvana as “1b”, but really; you were super fair and clear about it.
Nice list! Thank you!!!!
When I think of MTV Unplugged three performers come to mind (in this order); Eric Clapton, Nirvana, Pearl Jam. The show format was enthralling and I'm sure I would instantly recognize other performances as being significant, but those three were perfection.
Mtv Unplugged and grunge. Name another iconic duo.
Where Did You Sleep Last Night (Nirvana) is honestly the best song out of ALL of these
The MTV KISS unplugged from 1995 is truly a magical moment for the fans of the band.
Yes, it's amazing how the music makes you headbang and... they're playing acoustics! The double drum thing was also incredible.
Yes I liked it.
Kiss sucks! Lol
And led directly to the 1996 reunion. I saw KISS the first time in 1983, right after Ace wrecked his Delorean. Vinnie Vincent in hideous Egyptian face paint stood in. I was 18 and the notion that I would EVER get to see the original band was fast fading. Then MTV Unplugged happened. Boom. It’s been sort of rocky ever since, but that 1996 show was magic.
Simply the best
Love how biffy are in this list it's nice to hear American youtubers talking about the band from a fan of the band from Scotland 🤟🤟
Pearl Jam was deserving of a higher rank. That was amazing. I still watch it today.
Great video! I was unaware of some of these performances. Now, I've gotta listen to all of them!
Great list. Your top 4 especially are completely untouchable. 2 more honorable mentions I would add are 10,000 Maniacs and R.E.M.'s 1991 set. As for who i would like to see do one now.... the Foos def would've been my top choice before we lost Taylor, A Jack White set would be cool, and I know it's a cop-out, but I'd love to see another (much longer) PJ set with later hits.
My favorite MTV unplugged is Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains, incredible!! That was awesome, thank you for sharing this awesome video 😊💓✌️🤘
Alice In Chains will always be my favourite MTV Unplugged session. It's bittersweet because although it was absolutely epic and Layne did his legendary best (including any verse fuck ups..he made up for them beautifully) but he was clearly losing the battle his demons had him fighting. By then, really, he had lost. As Sean Kinney said...it's like watching him sing at his own funeral. Extremely heartbreaking to witness for us hardcore Layneaholics😔.
My second favourite is definitely Nirvana. A hauntingly beautiful session to watch.
Edit- I forgot about STP..oops. Their Unplugged session was awesome aswell.
That Clapton set is pure lightning in a bottle. That version of 'Layla' is just so fuckin' pure!
I still have that CD and pop it into my CD player in my van to hear to and from work.
Despite what Todd in the Shadows thinks about MTV Unplugged series or acoustic music, they can be beautiful and pleasant to listen to (when not being played by John Mayer).
Just not the Lauryn Hill one. That was AWFUL.
There are many great ones even if you don't love the concept.
@@lloydster9000 If I wanna hear half-assed raspy songs played on a single acoustic-guitar, I'll watch the sponge-monkeys Quiznos commercial
@@afterdinnercreations936 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@RockedNet Dude, I LOVE the concept.
I'm just pointing out that Todd in the Shadows isn't a fan of Unplugged or acoustic music.
I like that you said Alice In Chains and Nirvana were both tired for first
I just cannot look past Nirvana and Alice in Chains as the top 2. Beautiful and haunting with great songs. Still watch them both today
i'd put alice in chains MTV unplugged over nirvana's unplugged performance, why? it's simple, this performance is full of mix emotions. nutshell, brother, down in a hole, rooster, angry chair, would?, no excuses and sludge factory are my favorite tracks on this performance, goosebumps!
Despite Liam not singing, Oasis' performance was dope. Nirvana and AIC are my favorites but also in the mix was Live, Pearl Jam, STP, LL Cool J, Fiona Apple, Oasis, man there were a ton of great performances.
You pretty much nailed this one. Nice job!!
Honorable mention for me, Queensryche's from 1993. Done to promote their upcoming "Promised Land" album, it was a great look at why they were such an underrated act in the late 80s and early to mid 90s. Listening to Tate at the tail end of his prime as well as the technical prowess of Chris DeGarmo is just awesome, but doesn't crack the top ten for rather obvious reasons that were explained here. Still an awesome show that I'd recommend. Also, I'd love to see Shinedown or Ghost, particularly just to hear Shinedown's "Bully" in this stripped manner. Maybe it gains bonus emotion like Pearl Jam's "Black" or Layne's power when singing "Down In A Hole".
Wow, I'd forgotten they had one. I'll have to go hunting for that. I was a huge fan up until about Hear in the Now Frontier.
@@Jillbles It's amazing. I don't believe they ever released it as a standalone album though, which might be why it got swept away, sadly. "The Killing Words" is truly amazing.
Came here just to ask where the hell is Queensryche. An yea that preformance almost beats half this list
Unless Queensryche performed twice, this unplugged was actually at the tail end of the Empire tour cycle. In fact within a month or so of Pearl Jam in the spring of 1992. Promised land wasn’t released for another 2 1/2 years after the unplugged performance.
That said, “Della Brown” should have definitely been on the list.
@@bagelish6686 they did play delta brown man. It was empire songs an older
So happy to see biffy clyro on the list. This MTV unplugged album got me into them and is just beautiful. They even manage to bring my whole family together when it comes to music even though our tastes differ pretty much.
Korn's unplugged performance is also amazing. I understand why you have the performances you do on there but I think Korn's should be somewhere on this list. For your question at the end, I would love to see a Rise Against unplugged session.
Yes!! I love when Robert Smith came out and they did the Make Me Bad / Inbetween Days mashup. It’s sooo good
Glad I found this comment. Korns unplugged usually gets a lot of hate.
Ive always talked about Rise Against needing an Unplugged. It would be amazing!
I love Korn's unplugged album. When I first heard they had done an unplugged I was extremely dubious and just thought it wouldn't work. They totally nailed it though, and Amy Lee's guest vocals work so well.
I knew there was this comment out here! Korn really impressed me. It's all about the arrengments, fellas! Whether you like them or not, or even your opinion regards nu metal, but that unplugged was something else. They really capture the essence of an evening meant for an unplugged concert. Covers, special guests, and the redefinition of their own hits
Love your videos keep up the great work
the alice in chains one will always be my favorite :)
Alice in Cbains is by far the best unplugged!!
The Nirvana and Alice in Chains unplugged are legendary God tier performances it's insane how good those performances were especially Alice in Chains given the state of Layne Staley's health at the time he was the living embodiment of the despair/pain/hopelessness in the lyrics probably more so than when the lyrics were first written
Great video as always, Luke! To answer the question at the end, I think Rise Against would do a great Unplugged session! I've seen them live twice (and will again for the third time this summer), and the acoustic medley during their show is amazing!
I kinda think Tobias Forge would be an interesting Unplugged Performance based on his interviews discussing his early work and playing a few bars on an accoustic guitar
Bruh Ghost acoustic performances are top notch. I'd love to see a Ghost unplugged show
April 14th 2022 was the day Rocked finally made a top 10 list. I'm so proud.
The 30 minute version of Kashmir was and still is Everything
a special shoutout for alanis morissette! giving us the inspirational song “no pressure over cappuccino” that was sometimes performed during the jagged little pill era! however, her rendition of “that i would be good” is sooo touching during her unplugged performance. plus, she covered the police song “king of pain” too!
Nirvana & Alice In Chains performance’s were stellar , but Pearl Jam is the best . You can feel the crowds energy through the T.V. Most notably with the songs Black & Porch .
Yes absolutely agree. Can't understand why not many felt the passion in their performance. Especially Black
Glad you said that the top 2 were #1. I was a teenager when those two bands came out and remember watching both of them when they came on MTV. Awesome list by the way. It is hard to choose between them.
I’m glad you mentioned that 1&2 is hard to pick between but for me the performance of Nutshell gives Alice In Chains the edge.
Great video. I agree Nirvana and Alice In Chains could flip flop. I’d have done AIC #1, but I’m ok w this list. Pearl Jam is 3 too. I’d love to see Social Distortion unplugged
Take into consideration that the Alice in Chains MTV Unplugged show was the only time Frogs or Over Now was played live and had many live debuts mainly for the Tripod songs and Killer is Me.
Sluge factory was meant to be played life , basically most of that album was in my opinion it gave me chills
Sludge
The songs from the Nirvana Unplugged like The Man Who Sold The World, Plateau, Where Did You Sleep Last Night, & All Apologies are all still played alot on rock radio.
Great list, and I agree, you had two number ones there. LL Cool J did a fantastic Unplugged in 1991. It was rap stripped to its core and really showing its roots in blues and jazz.
I would love to see Avatar get the full Unplugged treatment. Them, or Ghost. Both bands have done acoustic sets from time to time that really shows their skills.
I haven't bought a physical album in years, but I'd wait in line to buy Ghost Unplugged.
LL Cool J with a special appearance of his deodorant..
Totally agree about the LL Cool J Unplugged. I understand he kept his list all rock, but that Unplugged would be in my top 5 easily. The band and the arrangements were phenomenal.
Came here to make sure this was mentioned. That show was 1991 and showed what rap-style vocals with a live band could do in terms of pure power.
Rage Against The Machine early shows on youtube are all from 1992. Keep that in mind when watching this performance from Uncle L.
Stainds acoustic set, is highly underrated notice it didn’t make the list.
Alice in Chains hands down!
I've always thought and heard Clapton's has been the best as far as musicality, surprisingly iconic and famous along with the fact they perform genres that reaches more people/cultures and it sold best.
The Nirvana MTV Unplugged is easily one of the best vinyls I own and ever found in a record store
My first introduction to Unplugged was Unplugged in New York Nirvana. I probably listened to that cassette tape/CD/digital copy well over 100 times. In my opinion it is a must to listen to. Especially the song Where did you sleep last night. Kurt did a great job. You can hear the emotion in his voice. 10/10 performance in my opinion.
Alice in Chains best Unplagged by far
The KISS one is my favorite by far! They were soooo tight! Still one of the best KISS performances ever!
I still say it was their best recorded live performance.
I never really cared for KISS even today but that unplugged was a game changer for me. I was like 13-14, and just had a ton of respect for these guys after that performance.
My favourite Unplugged, that I saw on Mtv, was The Cure
Alice in Chains Unplugged with always be the best in my opinion.
Alice in Chains will always be the best. Periodt.
this is done well and incredibly accurate, just wish Alice would have taken that #1, but still this is damn spot on
Great list! Imo especially Alice In Chains and nirvana
My favorite Unplugged is Queensryche. They did completely amazing versions of "The Killing Words" and "Silent Lucidity".
Pearl Jam "Black" and Clapton "Tears in Heaven" were the Best. Incubus is in my Top 10. Thanks for the Video!
I would kill for a Coheed and Cambria unplugged set
They use to do it all the time at skate and surf in Asbury Park NJ they would play one night and the next day proforma under a made up name and play an acoustic set, in 2004 I got lucky I went into the theater to wait for HIM to play and aband I never heard was playing first dark lights then you new jerseys bounds the whole place turned a look an became quiet as Claudio went on it was awsome
I absolutely love your Ghost zip up Hoodie!
Ghost is my favorite band!
This MTV list was awesome! To bad MTV doesn't do anything like this anymore and they don't play music videos 😪
🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘 🤘
One of the things you didn't mention about the KISS session was how obscure their setlist was. They omitted almost all of their classics/live staples in favor of extreme deep cuts from Dynasty, Gene's Solo album, Hotter than Hell, and The Elder. It sounded like a completely different band.
This list is legit💯
The band “Live” did mtv unplugged in 95, no one talks about it but it was fantastic and my second fav behind Alice In Chains.
I was waiting to see if it made this channel's top 10 but it didnt. Itt's my number 1!
Everyone knows what 2 bands are gonna be #1 & #2.... and they'll never be replaced.
Love the list...but it should not be forgotten the origin of acoustic live gigs began with Tesla's Five Man Acoustical Band. It would be awesome to see an episode that involves artists that weren't on MTV but played acoustically...Dream Theater. Metallica , Godsmack and other artists deserve nod on a Rocked episode
I agree with the list especially the top 2, although I would put AIC #1. One that I expected to see on the list but didnt was 10,000 Maniacs which is a great record.
The nirvana performance will always be impressive. I personally also really like the Scorpions MTV unplugged.
There are many great ones I couldn't cover in time.
@@RockedNet maybe another top 10?
Great list. Nothing outrageously incorrect thereNirvana and Clapton are both still my favourites.
Now I'm just imagining Spanish Love Songs unplugged... God, what an emotional roller coaster that would be.
Yeah, they're great! Wouldn't hurt to throw a shirt on every now again though 🤣
Great list. Agree with most of them. Altough I would have loved to see Placebo there. That concert was mindblowing.
Pearl jam singing Black is absolutely the best performance ever in life.I promise!