Released in November 2007, this DVD shows us the groundbreaking performance by 90’s alternative rock band, Nirvana. This performance was shot on November 18, 1993, and an edited version was shown as part of MTV's Unplugged series the next month.
Here we have the entire performance unedited and uncut. We see Kurt Cobain at his best, just months before he took his own life. Nirvana is said to be the creators of the Seattle grunge movement, but with this concert they show they could have moved past that if just given the chance. The CD released of this performance following Cobain's death is one of the bestselling of Nirvana's releases, having sold nearly five million copies by 1997.
This DVD gives us an in-depth look at this performance with both the uncut version and the original performance as shown on the network. A documentary behind-the-scenes look shows what went on with both the band and those that were lucky enough to attend this stellar performance.
All unplugged, there is only one stand out hit performed by the band during the set, "Come as You Are," which has always been one of my favorite songs by the group. There are six cover songs performed during the set that shows the group's diversity of music taste.
Acoustic showed another side of the band that was mostly known for being loud. The acoustic set shows a softer side of the band and the man leading them. He didn't always have to scream and shout. As a singer and a songwriter, Cobain showed so much potential, and he showed there was a chance for so much more with this performance.
It is sad that his life was cut tragically short with the potential he had in him. This performance turned into a memory that many can hold onto and cherish. Some say it was his way of saying goodbye to his fans, even with how he set things up with the lilies and candles.
With this DVD, we see a band at its finest. The music is mellow, and in this DVD we jump straight into the performance with not even a menu. Nirvana had its peak with this concert, and they could have gone just about anywhere following it. However, five short months later, Kurt Cobain took his own life. The CD from this performance did earn the band a Grammy, but not until 2006.
Any fan of the group would want to have this DVD as a part of their collection. With not only the uncut performance and the original shown on the network in 1993, the DVD also contains rehearsal footage and a behind-the-scenes look at the night itself. All of this combined makes this DVD a must have for any Nirvana fan.
Article comments
1 - Donald Gibson
I'll never forget that last gasp Cobain let out at the end of "Where Did You Sleep Last Night"...The expression on his face looked like he was unleashing all his demons. It's one of the eeriest moments I've ever witnessed in music.
You wrote a very touching review of this iconic show. Very nice work.
- Donald
2 - Buzz
Nirvana were in Philly 10 days before this and did a few of the unplugged songs, thought it was just a rehersal for the MTV show but even after the Sony session they continued playing a few unplugged songs during the rest of the tour, so they must have been really happy with the renditions. That Philly show was the best. concert. ever.
3 - Charlie
This is such a classic show, but I've seen or heard all of the songs from it thousands of times over the years, and therefore can't see myself ever picking this DVD up. The fact that there isn't much unreleased material on the DVD is also a factor in why I'm passing on it. Plus, sometimes the mood of this show gets depressing, and I don't need to be reminded again how depressing it is that Cobain left us at arguably the pinnacle of his career.
Also, I don't agree with those who say the Unplugged show was Kurt's way of saying "goodbye," as he was still recording music into the new year. "You Know You're Right," for example. was recorded in January 1994, if I recall (but wasn't released until 2002 on the Greatest Hits CD).
And I believe that before Kurt died, he was looking forward to working with Michael Stipe from R.E.M. at some point as well. You wouldn't think - at the time - that such a partnership would be likely, but Stipe was and still is Frances Bean's godfather after all. It's just another remind of how much (potentially) great music was lost with his passing. And precisely because of that, I think his death was the biggest blow to music since Jimi Hendrix died.