There’s a certain magic that happens when an artist sets down the electric and picks up an acoustic guitar. No filters, no effects, just stripped-down songs delivered in their rawest, most emotional form. At Live Jam, we live for those moments — and tonight, we’re bringing them to you live with Unplugged Radio, the only radio show where every acoustic song played is the live version.
But first, let’s take a look back at the most unforgettable acoustic and unplugged performances of all time — the shows that defined genres, broke hearts, and made music history.
🎶 The Greatest Acoustic & Unplugged Concerts Ever
Nirvana – MTV Unplugged in New York (1993)
Kurt Cobain didn’t just play a concert — he created a moment. Covers like Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World” and Lead Belly’s “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” took on haunting new life in this stripped-down, candlelit setting. A grunge classic turned unplugged masterpiece.
Eric Clapton – MTV Unplugged (1992)
Clapton turned heartbreak into history with “Tears in Heaven” and reinvented “Layla” as an acoustic ballad. The album won six Grammys and redefined what a live acoustic album could be.
Pearl Jam – MTV Unplugged (1992)
Just one year into their fame, Pearl Jam gave one of the rawest, most passionate performances in Unplugged history. Eddie Vedder’s intensity was unforgettable, especially during “Black.”
Alice in Chains – MTV Unplugged (1996)
Dark, soulful, and eerily beautiful, this show saw Layne Staley deliver some of his most emotionally resonant vocals. Acoustic versions of “Down in a Hole” and “Rooster” added a layer of haunting vulnerability.
Bruce Springsteen – VH1 Storytellers (2005)
Springsteen brought Asbury Park grit and poetic genius to the mic in this acoustic storytelling session. With only a guitar and piano, he turned “Thunder Road” into a hymn of hope.
Neil Young – MTV Unplugged (1993)
Neil brought his classics into a quiet, powerful light. Songs like “Harvest Moon” and “Like a Hurricane” felt personal and timeless, a reminder of his enduring brilliance.
Paul McCartney – Unplugged (1991)
One of the first true acoustic-only TV performances. McCartney charmed the crowd with Beatles hits and solo favorites, reminding everyone why he’s one of the greatest to ever do it.
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga – MTV Unplugged (2014)
An unexpected pairing that turned into a jazzy, beautiful showcase of timeless standards and generational harmony.
Jay Z (2001)
The second iteration of MTV Unplugged began in 2000, and by the end of the following year, the series had produced another essential Unplugged …
Jimmy Page and Robert Plant (1994)
Witnessing two of rock music’s biggest titans reuniting after a long hiatus was quite something.
🔥 Tonight: Unplugged Radio on Live Jam
Tonight, Unplugged Radio takes over Live Jam — and every song you hear will be a live acoustic performance. We’re diving deep into rare recordings, legendary sessions, and some of the best unplugged moments ever caught on stage.
📻 Unplugged Radio
🕗 Tonight, 8 PM ET
🎧 Streaming at LiveJamRadio.com
Expect live acoustic gold from:
- Nirvana
- Fleetwood Mac
- Springsteen
- The Rolling Stones
- Radiohead
- John Mayer
- Led Zeppelin (yes, even Zep unplugged)
- And so many more…
No studio tricks. No edits. Just pure, unfiltered live music — the way it was meant to be heard.
So dim the lights, grab your favorite drink, and let Live Jam bring the unplugged magic straight to your speakers.