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Season guide

MTV Unplugged: Season 1

19 episodes Premiered Nov 25, 1989 Updated Jul 24, 2026

MTV Unplugged is a music series that aired from 1989 to 1990. The show features performances by top artists and rising stars in the music industry, with a focus on acoustic versions of their songs. The series showcases a variety of musical styles and genres, highlighting the talents of both established and emerging artists. By presenting these artists in a stripped-down, acoustic setting, MTV Unplugged provides a uni

Season overview

MTV Unplugged is a music series that aired from 1989 to 1990. The show features performances by top artists and rising stars in the music industry, with a focus on acoustic versions of their songs. The series showcases a variety of musical styles and genres, highlighting the talents of both established and emerging artists. By presenting these artists in a stripped-down, acoustic setting, MTV Unplugged provides a unique perspective on their music and artistry. The series is part of MTV's efforts to promote and celebrate music, and it has become a notable part of the network's programming.

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Episodes

S1·E1

Squeeze with Syd Straw and Elliot Easton

Nov 26, 1989 · 60 min

The season premiere of ""MTV Unplugged"" features performances by British rockers Squeeze, solo artist Syd Straw, and Elliot Easton from The Cars. Musical highlights include Glenn

S1·E2

The Smithereens and Graham Parker

Jan 28, 1990 · 60 min

New Jersey guitar band the Smithereens, and veteran British artist Graham Parker, are featured in this edition of ""MTV Unplugged."" Smithereens band members Jim Babjak (guitar/voc

S1·E3

10,000 Maniacs with Michael Penn

Feb 4, 1990 · 60 min

Natalie Merchant, lyricist/singer of the acclaimed New York folk-rock band 10,000 Maniacs, performs ""What's The Matter Here?"" and ""Dustbowl."" Solo artist Michael Penn performs

S1·E4

The Alarm with Nuclear Valdez

Feb 11, 1990 · 60 min

Miami-based quartet Nuclear Valdez, and Welsh rockers the Alarm are featured in this edition of ""MTV Unplugged."" Alarm band members Mike Peters (vocals/guitar), Dave Sharp (guita

S1·E5

Joe Walsh and Dr. John

Feb 18, 1990 · 60 min

""MTV Unplugged"" presents former James Gang member Joe Walsh accompanied by R&B great Dr. John. Recorded at the National Video Center in New York City, Walsh performs such hits as

S1·E6

Stevie Ray Vaughan with Joe Satriani

Mar 4, 1990 · 60 min

""MTV Unplugged"" devotes an episode to the work of two guitar virtuosos: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe Satriani. Satriani showcases his expressive guitar work with renditions of ""Th

S1·E7

Michelle Shocked with Indigo Girls

Mar 11, 1990 · 60 min

""MTV Unplugged"" presents Atlanta-based singers/songwriters/guitarists Amy Ray And Emily Saliers -- collectively known as the Indigo Girls -- and solo artist Michelle Shocked. Sho

S1·E8

Sinead O'Connor with The Church

Mar 18, 1990 · 60 min

Australian band The Church and Irish solo artist Sinead O'Connor are featured in this edition of ""MTV Unplugged."" The Church band members Steve Killbey (bass/vocals), Peter Koppe

S1·E9

Don Henley

Apr 22, 1990 · 60 min

This special edition of ""MTV Unplugged"" takes an intimate look at Henley as he performs songs that span his career with the Eagles through his recent solo career. Joining him is

S1·E10

Great White with Damn Yankees

May 6, 1990 · 60 min

""MTV Unplugged,"" the acclaimed acoustic music series, presents an acoustic performance with Great White and Damn Yankees. Taped at the Hollywood Center Studios in Los Angeles, Gr

S1·E11

Crowded House with Tim Finn

May 13, 1990 · 60 min

Australian rock sensation Crowded House, and solo artist Tim Finn, perform in this special edition of ""MTV Unplugged."" This program marks the first time Crowded House lead vocali

S1·E12

Hall and Oates

Jun 5, 1990 · 60 min

""Blue-Eyed Soul"" duo Daryl Hall and John Oates joined the ""MTV Unplugged"" roster in mid-1990. The artists that hold the record for having the most Top 40 songs in the 1980s per

S1·E13

Elton John

Aug 5, 1990 · 60 min

Legendary rock veteran Elton John performs a memorable medley of hits past and present in a special one hour version of ""MTV Unplugged."" Viewers get the chance to see one of rock

S1·E14

Aerosmith

Sep 20, 1990 · 60 min

MTV viewers get the rare opportunity to see legendary hard rockers Aerosmith perform acoustically on this special edition of ""MTV Unplugged."" Taped live at the historic Ed Sulliv

S1·E15

Crosby, Stills & Nash

Sep 30, 1990 · 60 min

In a special edition of ""MTV Unplugged,"" Crosby, Stills and Nash perform a collection of classic hits. Taped in high-definition TV at the historic Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York

S1·E16

Ratt with Vixen

Oct 7, 1990 · 60 min

Heavy duty rockers Ratt and Vixen bring the house down during this special presentation of ""MTV Unplugged."" Taped in high-definition TV at the historic Ed Sullivan Theatre in Man

S1·E17

The Black Crowes with Tesla

Dec 2, 1990 · 60 min

The Black Crowes, the Atlanta quintet who rocked the early 90's, perform ""Jealous Again"" and ""She Talks To Angels"" off their hard rockin' debut album Shake Your Moneymaker. Tes

S1·E18

The Allman Brothers Band

Dec 9, 1990 · 60 min

Touted as one of the most influential and successful American rock groups of the 1970s, The Allman Brothers Band recently regrouped and turned out their first new album in nine yea

S1·E19

Poison

Dec 13, 1990 · 60 min

The consummate hard rock quartet of Bret Michaels, Bobby Dall, Rikki Rockett and C.C. DeVille get back to basics with acoustic renditions of ""Talk Dirty To Me"" from their first a