NIRVANA Unplugged in New York MTV Album Cover Photos & Detailed Description 12" LP Vinyl Record #vinylrecords

"Unplugged in New York MTV" Album Description:

Nirvana's "MTV Unplugged in New York" album arrived in November 1994, a raw and haunting document captured just months before frontman Kurt Cobain's tragic death. The album stands as a stark departure from the band's usual sonic fury, offering a rare and vulnerable glimpse into their artistry.

A Moment in Time

The early 1990s were dominated by grunge music, and Nirvana was at the forefront of the movement. Their albums "Nevermind" and "In Utero" had been massive commercial and critical successes, catapulting them to fame but also leaving Cobain struggling with the weight of his influence, internal demons, and substance abuse.

MTV's "Unplugged" series offered a platform for established artists to revisit their work in a stripped-down, acoustic setting. While initially reluctant, Nirvana eventually agreed to participate, perhaps sensing an opportunity to showcase a different side of their music.

Unplugged, Not Unraveled

Recorded at Sony Music Studios in New York City, the setlist for Nirvana's "Unplugged" performance was surprising. Instead of predictable crowd-pleasers, the band leaned into deep cuts and covers, including songs by the Vaselines, Meat Puppets, and David Bowie. Cobain's anguished vocals added layers of intensity, with classics like "Come As You Are" and "All Apologies" taking on new, heart-wrenching forms.

The performance wasn't without controversy. MTV producers reportedly wanted the band to play more hits, but Nirvana held their ground. Tensions also ran high within the band, reflecting the pressures and instability surrounding them at the time.

A Haunting Testimony

Despite the internal conflicts, the performance was captivating. Bassist Krist Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl provided a sturdy yet subtle foundation for Cobain's emotional outpouring. The starkness of the acoustic setting highlighted the fragility and pain that lurked behind the band's success and Cobain's tortured genius.

The addition of cellist Lori Goldston and guitarist Pat Smear (who had toured with the band previously) added depth and texture, further enhancing the somber mood. The venue's intimate décor, adorned with lilies and candles, created a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.

Music Genre:

Rock, Grunge, Alternative

Grunge Explained

Production: Produced by Nirvana and Scott Litt

Record Label: Geffen Records GEF-24727

Album Packaging:

Original custom inner sleeve with album details, and photos.

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record

Year & Country:

1994 Made in Germany

Photos of the LP's cover: NIRVANA Unplugged in New York MTV

Photo of NIRVANA Unplugged in New York MTV Album's Front Cover

NIRVANA Unplugged in New York MTV 12" vinyl LP

Band Members and Musicianson: NIRVANA Unplugged in New York MTV

Kurt Corbain - Vocals, Guitars
Kurt Cobain was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the frontman of Nirvana. Born in 1967 in Aberdeen, Washington, he became a defining voice of grunge music in the 1990s. With raw lyrics and electrifying performances, he left an indelible mark on rock history. His legacy lives on through his music and rare vinyl records.

Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl is an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the drummer for the rock band Nirvana and the founder, frontman, and primary songwriter of the band Foo Fighters. He was born on January 14, 1969, in Warren, Ohio, and began playing drums at a young age.

In 1990, he joined Nirvana as their drummer, replacing Chad Channing. He was with the band during the recording and release of their breakthrough album "Nevermind" in 1991 and the follow-up album "In Utero" in 1993, both of which were commercial and critical successes. He was known for his powerful and dynamic drumming, which was a key part of Nirvana's sound. He was also known for his energetic stage presence and his ability to play complex drum fills and solos.

After Nirvana disbanded following Kurt Cobain's death in 1994, Grohl formed the band Foo Fighters in 1995, and he has been the band's primary member and songwriter ever since. The band has released several critically acclaimed albums, and has become one of the most successful and respected bands in rock music. In addition to his work with Foo Fighters, Grohl has also collaborated with various other artists and bands and has been involved in several other music projects.
Krist Novoselic
Krist Novoselic an American musician, best known as the bassist and co-founder of the rock band Nirvana. He was born on May 16, 1965, in Compton, California, and grew up in the Seattle area. He met Kurt Cobain in 1985 and the two formed Nirvana in 1987.

Novoselic played bass guitar, provided backing vocals and contributed to the songwriting in all of Nirvana's albums. He was known for his solid and groovy bass playing, which provided the foundation for Nirvana's sound. He was also known for his energetic stage presence and his ability to play complex bass lines and solos. He was an important member of the band and played in all the band's albums until their disbanding in 1994 following Kurt Cobain's death.

After Nirvana, Novoselic has been involved in various other music projects, such as Sweet 75 and Eyes Adrift, He's also been active as a political activist and has written columns and articles on various political issues. He has also published a memoir, "Of Grunge and Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy" in 2019.
Pat Smear
Pat Smear an American musician and actor, best known as a guitarist for the rock band Nirvana. He joined the band in 1993 as a touring guitarist, and was part of the band's final touring lineup, appearing in the band's iconic MTV Unplugged performance and in the band's last tour before Kurt Cobain's death.

Smear was born Georg Albert Ruthenberg on August 5, 1959, in West Los Angeles, California. He began his career as a musician in the 1970s as a founding member of the punk rock band The Germs. He went on to play with various other bands and musicians, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Foo Fighters.

As a member of Nirvana, Smear added a new dimension to the band's sound, with his skillful and creative guitar playing, adding more texture to the band's music and also brought his extensive experience as a touring musician to the band. He was also known for his energetic and charismatic stage presence, and his ability to improvise and experiment with the band's music during live performances.

After Nirvana, he rejoined with the Foo Fighters as a touring and recording member and also played with other bands and musicians. He's also acted in a few movies and TV shows.
Lori Goldston
Lori Goldston an American cellist, composer, and improviser, who is best known for her work as a touring and session musician. She was born in Seattle, Washington, and began playing cello at a young age. She has a diverse range of musical interests, including classical music, experimental music, and rock and roll.

She is known for her work with a wide variety of artists and bands, including Nirvana, where she played cello on the band's MTV Unplugged performance in 1993. She also played with Nirvana in their last tour before Kurt Cobain's death. In addition to Nirvana, she has also worked with other notable bands such as Earth, and Black Cat Orchestra.

She has also been active as a solo artist, performing and recording her own compositions and improvisations. She has released several albums of her own music and has also collaborated with other musicians and artists in the field of experimental and avant-garde music. She has also performed as a session musician on various film and television soundtracks.
Curt Kirkwood (Meat Muppets)
Curt Kirkwood an American musician, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Meat Puppets. He was not an official member of Nirvana, but he did collaborate with the band. Meat Puppets was an influence on Nirvana, and Kurt Cobain was a fan of the band.

In 1993, Nirvana invited the Meat Puppets to perform on their MTV Unplugged performance. The Meat Puppets performed three songs with Nirvana. "Plateau," "Oh, Me," and "Lake of Fire." Curt Kirkwood played guitar and sang backing vocals on these songs. The performance was later released as an album and a DVD.

After the Unplugged performance, the Meat Puppets went on tour with Nirvana, where they played as the opening act. The tour was cut short due to Kurt Cobain's death in April 1994.

Curt Kirkwood continues to play music and tour with Meat Puppets, and has also played with other bands such as Eyes Adrift and Volcano. He has released several albums of his own music and continues to be respected for his songwriting and guitar playing.
Cris Kirkwood (Meat Muppets)
Cris Kirkwood an American musician, best known as the bassist of the rock band Meat Puppets. He was not an official member of Nirvana, but he did collaborate with the band. Meat Puppets was an influence on Nirvana, and Kurt Cobain was a fan of the band.

In 1993, Nirvana invited the Meat Puppets to perform on their MTV Unplugged performance. The Meat Puppets performed three songs with Nirvana. "Plateau," "Oh, Me," and "Lake of Fire." Cris Kirkwood played bass guitar on these songs. The performance was later released as an album and a DVD.

After the Unplugged performance, the Meat Puppets went on tour with Nirvana, where they played as the opening act. The tour was cut short due to Kurt Cobain's death in April 1994.

Cris Kirkwood continues to play music and tour with Meat Puppets, and has also played with other bands such as Eyes Adrift and Volcano. He has released several albums of his own music and continues to be respected for his bass playing.