Over three decades since its debut, Eric Clapton’s legendary MTV Unplugged performance is making a grand return to screens. Titled Eric Clapton Unplugged…Over 30 Years Later, the show will enjoy a limited theatrical release across the UK and US on January 27, before becoming available on Paramount+.
First aired in 1992, Clapton’s Unplugged session remains one of the most famous in the series, alongside Nirvana’s iconic performance. Clapton’s performance was a personal triumph, featuring a poignant rendition of ‘Tears in Heaven,’ written in memory of his son Conor. The performance also reworked Clapton classics such as ‘Layla’ into stripped-back, acclaimed masterpieces.
The accompanying album, Eric Clapton: Unplugged, became the best-selling live album of all time, with over 26 million copies sold. It won three Grammys, including Album of the Year, and helped solidify the Unplugged series as a cultural touchstone, able to attract the likes of Nirvana, Oasis and Bob Dylan in the years following. Clapton’s performance marked a turning point in his career, paving the way for personal, blues-focused albums like ‘From the Cradle’. It also sparked a shift in his guitar technique, as he began re-embracing fingerstyle playing—a method he described as offering “a beautiful sound” and greater tonal control.
A statement from the event’s website, claptonunplugged.com, suggests that viewers will see the version that was released in 2013, which included 60 minutes of bonus footage, as well as “unaired interviews”. This will make the ‘Over 30 Years Later’ version the most complete show yet.
Screenings will take place across 13 UK cities, including locations in Scotland and Wales. However, fans in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are currently left out of the release schedule. Tickets range from £14.99 to £27.99, depending on venue and seating, and can be found here.
Reaction to the announcement has been enthusiastic on social media. One fan on X wrote: “This is an iconic concert. It introduced so many people to the other side of Mr. Clapton. Classic!”
This is an iconic concert. It introduced so many people to the other side of Mr. Clapton. Classic! — CRIMSON SUNDAY | SONGWRITER | ROCK’N’ROLL | BERLIN (@CRIMSONSUNDAY) January 13, 2025
Paramount+, the platform behind this re-release, continues to expand its catalogue of music-focused programming. Recent additions include documentaries on Lollapalooza and Willie Nelson, as well as a show featuring Rush’s Geddy Lee. Though the platform’s music offering is fairly limited, investment in musical shows reveal that they want to go toe-to-toe with the bigger streaming services, such as Disney+, the platform home to documentaries on The Beatles, Elton John and Taylor Swift.
Paramount Co-CEO Chris McCarthy recently affirmed the company’s confidence in its streaming position amid reports of them exploring deals with other streaming giants. With 72 million subscribers, Paramount+ is the fourth largest streaming service in the world.
‘Eric Clapton Unplugged…Over 30 Years Later’ will offer fans a chance to relive one of the most celebrated live performances in music history, and, like it did back in 1992, may introduce a new generation to the man affectionately known as ‘Slowhand’.
