One of the most genuine moments in rock history is Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged session. It allowed Kurt Cobain to step away from the chaos of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and reveal a more serene and authentic side of himself. Let’s dive into Cobain’s complicated feelings about that massive hit, Nirvana’s clashes with MTV, and why their Unplugged performance remains a shining example of art over commercialism.
The Weight of Fame: Cobain and ‘Teen Spirit’
When “Smells Like Teen Spirit” burst onto the scene in April 1991, it became both a blessing and a burden for Nirvana. Cobain described fame as “the biggest pain” and felt uncomfortable with the adoration from fans. He found it embarrassing when people treated him like a god. Despite his frustrations, Nirvana rarely skipped the song during performances. They played it consistently, showing that Cobain’s dislike for the anthem didn’t lead to a refusal to perform it. While it weighed heavily on him, it was also the magnet that attracted fans.
Cobain often fantasized about leaving the band for a solo acoustic career, yet the chorus of “Teen Spirit” remained a staple in their setlists. This conflict between his personal discomfort and public expectation set the stage for their later acts of rebellion.
Nirvana vs. MTV: A Clash of Ideals
Nirvana’s relationship with MTV was rocky from the beginning. Cobain criticized the network as “empty TV,” resisting its scripted format and predictable categorization of bands. During radio sessions, they often hesitated to play tracks from their hit album, needing encouragement from producers to perform those songs.
The turning point came on December 13, 1993, during a live MTV broadcast. Instead of their usual hits, they delivered a setlist that excluded “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The performance ended with a chaotic 12-minute noise finale, featuring guitar smashing and Cobain’s defiant antics. It was a bold statement that Nirvana answered to no one but themselves.
The Unplugged Approach: A New Direction
When Nirvana agreed to the Unplugged session on November 18, 1993, they had no intention of simply rehashing their hits in an acoustic format. They approached the performance with a clear plan to showcase a different side of their music.
