For fans of everything from nu metal to classic rock, to contemporary pop and more, you're in for a treat. Paramount+ has just added a treasure trove of MTV Unplugged and VH1 Storytellers episodes to its streaming library. According to a press release, many of these performances "haven't been available in 20+ years." The MTV Unplugged collection features iconic acts like Alice In Chains, Korn, Kiss, Nirvana, and Stone Temple Pilots, while the VH1 Storytellers episodes span Seasons 1-9, 11-13, 15, and 16, offering fans a chance to relive some of the most intimate and memorable moments in music history.
The Legacy of MTV Unplugged
MTV Unplugged has been a longstanding, legendary music series that first premiered on MTV in 1989. Created by Robert Small and Jim Burns, the show's ethos was simple yet game changing: artists would perform stripped-down, acoustic versions of their songs, often reimagining their hits in ways that showcased a different side to their songwriting, talents, and performances. This approach offered a refreshing contrast to the produced and more polished "electric" performances that dominated the airwaves at the time, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
Perhaps the most famous episode was Nirvana's 1993 performance, which included a haunting rendition of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" and is often regarded as one of the greatest live recordings of all time. For the nu metal genre, Korn brought their signature intensity to MTV Unplugged in 2007, reimagining hits like "Freak on a Leash" with acoustic grit and including fellow nu metal legend Amy Lee of Evanescence for a completely different take on Davis' infamous scatting, rhythmic vocal solo. Similarly, Linkin Park showcased their versatility on VH1 Storytellers in 2012, sharing the stories behind some of their biggest heavy hitters while delivering stripped-down renditions.
MTV Unplugged continued to air new episodes regularly throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, but its frequency began to decline as MTV shifted its focus away from music programming. The show was officially revived in 2009 and has since featured modern artists like Adele, Shawn Mendes, and Miley Cyrus. While it no longer airs as consistently as it once did, MTV Unplugged remains a beloved platform for artists to connect with their audiences in an intimate and authentic way.
VH1 Storytellers
Debuting in 1996, VH1 Storytellers complemented MTV Unplugged by offering a different but equally compelling format. Artists would perform their songs while sharing the stories behind them, giving fans a deeper understanding of the creative process and the personal experiences that inspired their music. The show featured a diverse range of artists, from legends like Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie to contemporary stars like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
Like MTV Unplugged, VH1 Storytellers became a platform for unforgettable performances and candid moments. It ran for multiple seasons, with occasional breaks, and remains a cherished part of music television history. Both series have left an indelible mark on the music industry, and their availability on Paramount+ allows a new generation of fans to experience these timeless performances.
Whether you're revisiting classic episodes or discovering them for the first time, this collection is a must-watch for any music enthusiast. Below is a list of just some of the notable artists who have appeared on MTV Unplugged and VH1 Storytellers over the years:
MTV Unplugged Artists:
- Nirvana (1993)
- Eric Clapton (1992)
- Pearl Jam (1992)
- Alice In Chains (1996)
- Korn (2007)
- Kiss (1995)
- Stone Temple Pilots (1993)
- Bruce Springsteen (1992)
- Paul McCartney (1991)
- Adele (2011)
- Shawn Mendes (2020)
- Miley Cyrus (2020)
- Lauryn Hill (2002)
- Jay-Z (2001)
- Oasis (1996)
- Shakira (2000)
- Maxwell (1997)
- 10,000 Maniacs (1993)
- LL Cool J (1991)
- Bon Jovi (2007)
VH1 Storytellers Artists:
- Bruce Springsteen (2005)
- David Bowie (1999)
- Taylor Swift (2012)
- Ed Sheeran (2017)
- Coldplay (2011)
- Foo Fighters (2009)
- John Mayer (2009)
- Green Day (2005)
- Alicia Keys (2006)
- Ray LaMontagne (2010)
- The Killers (2007)
- Sheryl Crow (1999)
- Elvis Costello (1998)
- R.E.M. (1998)
- Dixie Chicks (2006)
- Bon Jovi (1996)
- Train (2012)
- Norah Jones (2002)
- Kanye West (2009)
- Linkin Park (2012)
MTV Unplugged and VH1 Storytellers both undeniably brought out a different and often newly iconic side to an array of artists across the spectrum of genres. Dive into these performances on Paramount+ and relive some of the most iconic moments of the heyday of music television. And as a personal recommendation, start with KoRn's performance. You won't regret it.
