🎧 You Had To Be There: Nirvana Unplugged
Behind the scenes of Nirvana's Iconic MTV Unplugged Performance.
Hi friends,
This week, we’re pulling back the curtain to take you behind the scenes of an iconic performance, where an incredible band took a concept and made it entirely their own.
This week’s episode of You Had To Be There is: Nirvana: MTV Unplugged in New York.
Recorded on November 18, 1993 and released on CD nearly a year later on November 1, 1994, Nirvana’s performance—now almost 31-years-ago—subverted mainstream perceptions of the band while flipping the show’s concept on its head. Rather than playing their biggest hits, Kurt Cobain opted for a mix of their earlier tracks and covers from lesser-known bands they admired, much to MTV’s dismay.
The result? History!
Long before we started You Had To Be There, I wanted to capture the magic of Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged performance someway, somehow, and I think we did. Each guest is incredible and offers unique insights into the band’s performance that night, and Julia did an amazing job all around. It gets a bit emotional, but I think you’ll love it—I know I do.
Thanks again for listening and spreading the word about YHTBT—your support means a lot, and it makes a difference. Now, let’s take You Had To Be There to the next level 🚀
Enjoy!
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Show Notes
In this episode of You Had To Be There, host Julia Thompson, goes on a 48 hour journey to find and interview an eyewitness to Nirvana's iconic performance on MTV Unplugged in New York City on November 18, 1993.
This episode features interviews with:
Alex Coletti (Series Producer, MTV Unplugged)
Jon Vesey (Editor, MTV Unplugged)
Jim Ahearne (Production Assistant, MTV Unplugged)
Remember to follow Hi Barr on YouTube and Instagram for video clips, ephemera and hot takes. And if you’re interested in reading excerpts from a 1994 interview with Kurt Cobain, here’s a newsletter I wrote back in April. Enjoy!
