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Unplugged Revisited

Will Hodge

Unplugged Revisited is a podcast that celebrates, critiques, and dives deep into the last three-and-a-half decades of the pop cultural game changer MTV Unplugged. Featuring discussions with artists who played the show, individuals who worked on the show, or some of my fellow music journalist friends talking about various aspects of the show’s history, Unplugged Revisited will assess MTV Unplugged’s impact and legacy from the show's humble beginning in 1989 all the way through to the present day.

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20 episodes
Avg 1 hr 11 min
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S2 · E26
Wednesday · 1 hr 29 min
UR026: Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum) [1993 MTV Unplugged]
Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum) joins the show to discuss Soul Asylum’s enchanting 1993 MTV Unplugged episode and its 30-years-later commemorative companion – the brand new acoustic live album MPLS Unplugged (out August 28). During our chat, Dave recalls his own punk-to-acoustic pipeline, unplugging his songs with a string ensemble (twice!), dueting with ‘60s UK pop icon Lulu, and so much more. Of course, the episode’s also got tons of Soul Asylum-infused ‘90s pop culture clips (120 Minutes, SNL, MTV’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Inaugural Ball, Letterman, “Weird Al” parodies, and so much more)! If you dig the show, would like to share your own Unplugged memories, offer up a correction, or connect with the show for any other reason: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, or You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S2 · E25
May 7 · 1 hr 1 min
UR025: 12 Solo Acts Unplug Their Former Bands [MTV Unplugged]
Season Two Finale! Spanning 1990 to 2019, we dig into a cool dozen solo acts who spiced up their Unplugged setlists by reworking a song or two (or six) from their former bands (some of which who have since gotten back together). The solo acts who unplugged their former bands include: Joe Walsh (formerly of The Eagles) Don Henley (formerly of The Eagles) Paul McCartney (formerly of The Beatles) Sting (formerly of The Police) Eric Clapton (formerly of Cream and Derek & the Dominos) Paul Simon (formerly of Simon & Garfunkel) Annie Lennox (formerly of Eurythmics) Bruce Springsteen (formerly of The E Street Band) Neil Young (formerly of Buffalo Springfield, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Crazy Horse, and The Stills-Young Band) Rod Stewart (formerly of The Faces) George Michael (formerly of Wham) Liam Gallagher (formerly of Oasis) If you dig the show, would like to share your own Unplugged memories, offer up a correction, or connect with the show for any other reason: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, or You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S2 · E24
April 1 · 1 hr 17 min
UR024: "R&B Unplugged" w/ Joe Public (Boyz II Men and Shanice) [1992 MTV Unplugged]
Joe Public (Kevin Scott, JR Carter, and Dwight “Mr. Dew” Wyatt) joins the show to talk about playing the “R&B Unplugged” episode of MTV Unplugged in 1992. During the taping, they not only performed their own Billboard Hot 100 Top 5 hit “Live and Learn” but they also pulled double duty as the backing band for Boyz II Men and Shanice! If you dig the show, would like to share your own Unplugged memories, offer up a correction, or connect with the show for any other reason: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, or You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S2 · E23
February 4 · 1 hr 17 min
UR023: "Unforgotten" - George Michael [1996 MTV Unplugged]
George Michael is my first gone-too-soon artist to get their own “Unforgotten” style episode. While I normally save my single-Unplugged deep dives for when I interview an artist or musician who has played MTV Unplugged, “Unforgotten” will be an interview-less solo deep dive around an Unplugged artist who’s passed away. Plug in to hear all about his incredible musical evolution and songrwtiting maturation, starting from his early days in WHAM! and running all the way up to his 1996 MTV Unplugged episode. If you dig the show, would like to share your own Unplugged memories, offer up a correction, or connect with the show for any other reason: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, or You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S2 · E22
January 7 · 1 hr 15 min
UR022: "1996 MTV Unplugged Season Retrospective" w/ Alex Coletti
We’re kicking off 2026 by looking back 30 years to discuss the entire 1996 Season of MTV Unplugged with longtime MTV Unplugged producer/showrunner Alex Coletti. Tune in for some incredible behind-the-scenes stories, covers, and song clips courtesy of Alice in Chains, Tori Amos, Seal, Hootie and the Blowfish, Oasis, and George Michael along with some present-day “NPR’s Tiny Desk is the new MTV Unplugged” discussion. If you dig the show, would like to share your own Unplugged memories, offer up a correction, or connect with the show for any other reason: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, or You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S2 · E21
Dec 3, 2025 · 47 min
UR021: MTV Unplugged Beatles Covers (Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Hall & Oates, & more) [1990-2001]
To celebrate The Beatles Anthology turning 30 this year, here’s a super fun collection of Beatles songs that have been played (some for the first and only time) on MTV Unplugged. Artists covered include Annie Lennox, Phil Collins, Blackstreet, Cassia Eller, Hall & Oates, Slaughter, Joe Cocker, and a duet between original Unplugged host Jules Shear and Marty Willson-Piper (The Church). There’s even a handful of Beatles tunes from Paul McCartney’s 1991 MTV Unplugged episode as well! If you dig the show, would like to share your own Unplugged memories, offer up a correction, or connect with the show for any other reason: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, or You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S2 · E20
Nov 5, 2025 · 53 min
UR020: MTV Unplugged Record Store Day Retrospective (R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Soul Asylum, & more)
In honor of this year's Record Store Day Black Friday (November 28) and the release of a-ha’s ‘Take on Me 40th Anniversary EP’ featuring their 2017 MTV Unplugged piano ballad version of the iconic classic, I’ve put together a retrospective of every single MTV Unplugged album that’s been released or reissued for Record Store Day over the years. Tune in to hear all about the amazing MTV Unplugged RSD releases from Eric Clapton, R.E.M., All Time Low, Bleachers, Pearl Jam, Die Fantastischen Vier, Bastille, Soul Asylum, and a-ha! If you dig the show, would like to share your own Unplugged memories, offer up a correction, or connect with the show for any other reason: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, or You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S2 · E2
Oct 1, 2025 · 1 hr 27 min
UR019: Fergal Lawler (The Cranberries) [1995 MTV Unplugged]
Drummer Fergal Lawler (The Cranberries) joins the show to discuss the band’s phenomenal 1995 MTV Unplugged episode – which, 30 years later, is finally getting released as a proper standalone album (out 11/7). Fergal recollects on unplugging “Zombie,” playing with the Electra Strings, and dropping three brand new songs into their Unplugged setlist (including the one-time only rarity “Yesterday’s Gone”). Of course, the episode’s also got loads of Cranberries-infused ‘90s pop culture clips (My So-Called Life, Clueless, Boys on the Side, You’ve Got Mail, Charmed, and much more)! If you dig the show, would like to share your own Unplugged memories, offer up a correction, or connect with the show for any other reason: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, or You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S2 · E18
Sep 3, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
UR018: "6 Unplugged Songs that Explain the '90s" w/ Rob Harvilla [1990s MTV Unplugged]
For our Season Two opener, we called in a Ringer! Writer, author, and podcaster Rob Harvilla (“60 Songs that Explain the ‘90s”) joins the show to discuss MTV Unplugged’s massive, multi-layered impact throughout the 1990s via six exemplary performances. I picked six songs as well, so you’re really getting a dozen different Unplugged gems that both highlight the show’s unique sonic alchemy and also broaden the lens beyond its often myopically misremembered legacy. Consider it a lovingly hand-crafted, 12-track Unplugged mixtape from us to you! If you dig the show, would like to share your own Unplugged memories, offer up a correction, or connect with the show for any other reason: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, or You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S1 · E17
Jun 4, 2025 · 1 hr 25 min
UR017: Trey Lorenz (Mariah Carey) [1992 MTV Unplugged]
Season One Finale! Trey Lorenz joins the show to discuss singing on Mariah Carey’s legendary quadruple platinum MTV Unplugged (including their last-minute addition turned global smash hit duet of The Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There”), as well as his years of working with Mariah from her first promotional tour in 1990 all the way through to the present day. If you dig the show, want to share your own Unplugged memories, ask a question, request a show topic, or connect with the pod for any reason, there are a couple ways you can get in touch: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S1 · E16
May 21, 2025 · 1 hr
UR016: "Kurt Cobain Unplugged" UK Exhibit of Kurt's Martin D18-E Acoustic Guitar (Alan Di Perna) [Nirvana 1993 MTV Unplugged]
UR016: "Kurt Cobain Unplugged" UK Exhibit of Kurt's Martin D18-E Acoustic Guitar (Alan Di Perna) [Nirvana 1993 MTV Unplugged] Alan Di Perna joins the show to discuss his work curating the “Kurt Cobain Unplugged” UK exhibit running this summer and fall at London’s Royal College of Music. The exhibit features a plethora of Nirvana rarities, as well as two key items from the band’s legendary 1993 MTV Unplugged – Kurt’s Martin D18-E acoustic guitar and his olive green mohair cardigan (on display together for the first time ever). If you dig the show, want to share your own Unplugged memories, ask a question, request a show topic, or connect with the pod for any reason, there are a couple ways you can get in touch: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S1 · E15
May 7, 2025 · 1 hr 42 min
UR015: Mike Inez (Alice In Chains) [1996 MTV Unplugged]
God-tier grunge bassist Mike Inez (Alice in Chains) joins the show to discuss the band’s equally brilliant and heartbreaking MTV Unplugged episode and album from 1996. Lots of great Alice talk, Seattle scene memories, and EVEN MORE “Friends Don’t Let Friends Get Friends Haircuts” backstory to add to the storied Alice-Metallica lore. If you dig the show, want to share your own Unplugged memories, ask a question, request a show topic, or connect with the pod for any reason, there are a couple ways you can get in touch: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S1 · E14
Apr 23, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
UR014: Mark Bryan (Hootie and the Blowfish) [1996 MTV Unplugged]
Double Diamond certified guitarist Mark Bryan (Hootie and the Blowfish) joins the show to discuss the band’s special homecoming of an Unplugged that was filmed on the University of South Carolina campus and aired just a day before the release of their second album (Fairweather Johnson) in 1996. As a bonus, I also talk to the recipient of the four-year Hootie and the Blowfish college scholarship that was partially funded by t-shirt sales at the Unplugged taping! If you dig the show, want to share your own Unplugged memories, ask a question, request a show topic, or connect with the pod for any reason, there are a couple ways you can get in touch: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S1 · E13
Apr 9, 2025 · 1 hr 22 min
UR013: "The Young-plugged Saga, Part Two" w/ Jon Vesey (Neil Young & MTV Unplugged) [1990, 1992, 1993]
We continue pulling back the curtain on “The Young-Plugged Saga” to discuss Neil Young’s three appearances on MTV Unplugged – a branded concert video in 1990, his unaired episode in 1992, and his broadcast/album in 1993. Part Two features an interview with MTV Unplugged editor Jon Vesey. If you dig the show, want to share your own Unplugged memories, ask a question, request a show topic, or connect with the pod for any reason, there are a couple ways you can get in touch: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
Mar 26, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
UR012: "The Young-plugged Saga, Part One" w/ Alex Coletti (Neil Young & MTV Unplugged) [1990, 1992, 1993]
We’re pulling back the curtain on “The Young-plugged Saga” to discuss Neil Young’s three appearances on MTV Unplugged – a branded concert video in 1990, his unaired episode in 1992, and his broadcast/album in 1993. Part One features an interview with longtime MTV Unplugged producer/showrunner Alex Coletti. If you dig the show, want to share your own Unplugged memories, ask a question, request a show topic, or connect with the pod for any reason, there are a couple ways you can get in touch: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
Mar 12, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
UR011: Speech, Eshe, and Rasa Don (Arrested Development) [1993 MTV Unplugged]
Southern alternative hip-hop pioneers Arrested Development (Speech, Eshe, and Rasa Don) join the show to talk about the stunning MTV Unplugged episode and album they delivered during their explosive ’92-’93 whirlwind. They also discuss their brand new track – “All I See is Melanin” – that’s available now! If you dig the show, want to share your own Unplugged memories, ask a question, request a show topic, or connect with the pod for any reason, there are a couple ways you can get in touch: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
Feb 26, 2025 · 1 hr
UR010: Nathan East (Eric Clapton Unplugged, Phil Collins Unplugged, Babyface Unplugged) [1992, 1994, 1997]
Renowned bass genius Nathan East (“Footloose,” “Easy Lover,” “Saving All My Love for You,” “Tears in Heaven,” “Change the World,” “Get Lucky”) joins the show to reminisce about playing on three separate episodes of MTV Unplugged: Eric Clapton (1992), Phil Collins (1994), and Babyface (1997). Along with playing on over 2000 albums since the 1970s, East can also be heard (and seen) on the new Eric Clapton Unplugged… Over 30 Years Later expanded 90-minute special currently streaming on Paramount+. If you dig the show, want to share your own Unplugged memories, ask a question, request a show topic, or connect with the pod for any reason, there are a couple ways you can get in touch: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
Feb 12, 2025 · 48 min
UR009: MTV Unplugged Compilation Albums (Hits & Rarities) [1994, 2002-2004]
Revisit some of Unplugged’s greatest hits and under-the-radar rarities as Will dissects the four “official” Unplugged compilation CDs that came out between 1994 and 2004. Not only do these albums contain some of Unplugged’s most well-known moments (10,000 Maniacs, Alanis Morissette, R.E.M., Alice in Chains, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart) but also some of its most magical performances to have never been released as albums (The Cure, Tori Amos, Sheryl Crow, Elton John, Oasis, The Cranberries, and so many more). If you dig the show, want to share your own Unplugged memories, ask a question, request a show topic, or connect with the pod for any reason, there are a couple ways you can get in touch: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @willhodge.bsky.social, You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S1 · E8
Jan 15, 2025 · 44 min
UR008: "MTV Unplugged Two-Timers Club" (40+ artists who appeared on Unplugged more than once)
Join us as we establish the “MTV Unplugged Two-Timers Club” and induct the inaugural batch of 40+ artists who have appeared on MTV Unplugged more than once (with a few even appearing three times). Inductions are broken out by four main categories: Two Shows, 1.5 Shows, Two Spots, and Non-Band Musicians. Inductees include: R.E.M., Café Tacuba, Fanta 4/Die Fantastischen Vier, Mando Diao, Neil Young (3x), Tony Bennett, The Black Crowes, Lenny Kravitz, Adele, Melissa Etheridge, Jewel, Marcus Mumford, Miley Cyrus, 10,000 Maniacs, The Cure (including 3x for Pearl Thompson), Elvis Costello, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, k.d. lang, Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs (Oasis), Andrea Echeverri (Aterciopelados), Diego Torres, Julieta Venegas (3x), Juanes, Morten Harket, Wyclef Jean, MC Lyte, Shanice, K-Ci & JoJo, Mary J. Blige, David Byrne, Maggie Estep, Gustavo Santaolalla (3x), Patrick Warren, Mitchell Froom, Nathan East (3x), Greg Leisz, Perry Montague-Mason (3x), Steve Sidwell, Erik Friedlander (3x), and Jules Shear. Did I miss anyone? To let me know of any others (or to connect with the pod for any other reason): You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @unplugged_pod, You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)
S1 · E7
Dec 18, 2024 · 1 hr 11 min
UR007: Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional) [2002]
Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional) joins the show to discuss the band’s celebrated 2002 MTV Unplugged episode (during the program’s 2001-2002 reboot) and their subsequent platinum-selling MTV Unplugged 2.0 album. He talks about the impact that playing Unplugged has had on his career and also reminisces about some of his own favorite ‘90s Unplugged episodes (The Cure, Pearl Jam, Nirvana). If you dig the show, want to share your own Unplugged memories, ask a question, request a show topic, or connect with the pod for any reason, there are a couple ways you can get in touch: You can email me at unpluggedrevisited@gmail.com, You can reach out on Bluesky at @unplugged_pod, You can leave a voicemail (that’ll maybe get played on the show) by dialing 234-REVISIT (234-738-4748)

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