After 44 years of history, MTV announced the definitive closure of its musical content. The news marks the end of an era for the network that revolutionized the way we watch and listen to music on television.
Among his most emblematic formats are MTV Unpluggedthe acoustic concert series created by producers Robert Small and Jim Burns, in which renowned artists performed intimate versions of their most popular songs.
He The first concert aired in 1989 and featured performances by Squeeze, Syd Straw and Elliot Easton.. The format had its peak in the 90s and served both to consecrate emerging artists and to revitalize the careers of great figures.
The MTV Unplugged in Spanish that made history: from Soda Stereo and Spinetta to Shakira and Julieta Venegas
Next, a review of the MTV Unplugged in Spanish that marked history of music:
The Fabulous Cadillacs (1994)
Los Cadillacs’ Unplugged was the first in Spanish and marked a before and after for Latin American rock. It was recorded in Miami, it combined the energy of ska with a more intimate acoustic format. Some of the songs the band played were Matador and Following the Moon.
In 1994, Los Fabulosos Cadillac became the first Spanish-speaking band to record an MTV Unplugged.
Charly García (1995)
Charly García’s Unplugged, recorded in 1995, was a unique and provocative show that detached itself from MTV’s standard acoustic format, as the Clics Modernos singer imposed his style with electric and theatrical arrangements.
Café Tacvba (1995)
Café Tacvba’s Unplugged expanded the boundaries of the conventional concert format by mixing rock, electronica and folklore. It was recorded in Miami, its release was delayed a decade, but it ended up being one of the most iconic for its originality and freshness of sound. In addition, they became the first Latin American artists to record two MTV Unplugged concerts.
Soda Stereo (1996)
Cerati transformed the band’s repertoire with string arrangements and elegant staging, achieving unforgettable versions such as Tea for Three and Ella Used My Head Like a Revolver. The concert recorded in Miami closed with “Of light music” and anticipated his farewell.
Soda Stereo recorded their MTV Unplugged on March 12, 1996 in Miami. Photo: Capture.
Luis Alberto Spinetta (1997)
Recorded at the MTV studios in Miami, Estrelicia was an intimate recital where Flaco reviewed his work with a unique sensitivity. Accompanied by top-notch musicians, he performed versions of classics such as Bajan and Durazno Sangrando. The special aired that same year and was officially released in November 1997.
Luis Alberto Spinetta’s Estrelicia MTV Unplugged was recorded in 1997 in Miami. Photo: Clarín.
Manna (1999)
Recorded in Miami, Maná’s Unplugged included classics from his repertoire and an emotional cover from I Forgot Again by Juan Gabriel. This was the first Unplugged released on DVD and consolidated its leadership in Latin rock.
Shakira (1999)
Shakira’s MTV Unplugged, recorded in New York, catapulted her to worldwide fame. He presented acoustic versions of Where Are the Thieves? with a mix of rock, pop and Latin rhythms. Additionally, this performance led her to win the Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album.
Shakira’s MTV Unplugged was recorded on August 12, 1999 in the Grand Ballroom of Manhattan Center Studios in New York. Photo: Clarín.
Diego Torres (2004)
It is the first Unplugged recorded outside the United States, in Buenos Aires. Diego Torres offered a collaborative show with guests such as Julieta Venegas and Vicentico.
Ricky Martin (2006)
Recorded at the University of Miami, Unplugged Ricky Martin It was an international phenomenon. With more than two million copies sold, it showed a more mature and organic side of the artist, fusing ballads and Caribbean rhythms in an intimate format.
Julieta Venegas (2008)
After her participation in Diego Torres’ Unplugged in 2004, Julieta Venegas recorded hers in Mexico, becoming the first artist to do so in her country. Accompanied by a mostly female band, she combined sweetness, strength and a unique sound aesthetic that established her as one of the most influential voices in Latin pop.
Julieta Venegas participated in the MTV Unplugged in 2008. Photo: Captura.
Juanes (2012)
The Colombian singer recorded his MTV Unplugged in 2012, becoming the third artist from his country to do so. It was produced by Juan Luis Guerra and broadcast on MTV Tr3s. The concert showed a more intimate and emotional version of their repertoire. It featured the participation of Paula Fernandes and Joaquín Sabina and reaffirmed Juanes’ place on the Latin scene.
The Authentic Decadents (2018)
Los Auténticos Decadentes recorded their MTV Unplugged on May 24, 2018 at the Arenas Studios in Buenos Aires. The album, titled «Fiesta Nacional», was released in October of that same year and included new versions of their songs with the participation of artists such as Mon Laferte, Rubén Albarrán, Chaqueño Palavecino, Ulises Bueno, Gepe and La Bomba de Tiempo.
