Unplugged...and Seated
Unplugged...and Seated is a live acoustic album by British rock singer Rod Stewart, consisting of performances recorded for the MTV Unplugged television series. Released on 24 May 1993 by Warner Bros. Records, the album presents reimagined versions of Stewart's signature hits from the 1970s and 1980s, alongside covers of classic songs, all delivered in an intimate, stripped-down arrangement with minimal instrumentation.[1][2] The recording took place on 5 February 1993 at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, California, marking Stewart's sole appearance on MTV's Unplugged format and reuniting him with longtime collaborator Ron Wood, his former bandmate from the Jeff Beck Group and the Faces, who joined for several tracks.[3][1] The 17-track collection, running approximately 78 minutes, opens with energetic renditions of "Hot Legs" and "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)" before delving into more reflective pieces like "Handbags and Gladrags" and Van Morrison's "Have I Told You Lately," while covers such as Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" and the Faces' "Stay with Me" highlight Stewart's soulful vocal range and the ensemble's chemistry.[4][5][6] Unplugged...and Seated achieved significant commercial success, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and similarly high positions in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, with sales exceeding three million copies in the U.S. alone.[1] It was certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA, reflecting its enduring popularity, bolstered by the release of singles like "Have I Told You Lately," which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned gold certification, and "Reason to Believe," which charted at No. 19.[7][1] Critically, the album was praised for revitalizing Stewart's career during a period of commercial challenges in the early 1990s, showcasing improved vocal delivery and emotional depth in the acoustic setting, though some reviewers noted occasional over-reliance on nostalgia.[8]Background
Conception
The MTV Unplugged series, launched by the network in 1989, surged in popularity during the early 1990s as a platform for intimate acoustic performances that stripped away electronic production to highlight artists' raw talents. This format resonated with audiences seeking authenticity amid the era's polished pop and grunge explosion, exemplified by Eric Clapton's 1992 episode, which revived his career and produced the best-selling live album of all time with over 26 million copies sold worldwide.[9] Similarly, Nirvana's 1993 appearance showcased their unfiltered intensity through acoustic renditions, cementing the show's role in bridging veteran acts and emerging stars while boosting commercial success for participants.[10] Rod Stewart's decision to join the series stemmed from a desire to reconnect with his acoustic origins amid a career evolution away from the synthesizer-driven sound of his 1980s albums toward more organic rock influences. Following the success of his 1991 album Vagabond Heart, which peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and featured acoustic elements during its tour, Stewart viewed Unplugged as an opportunity to revisit his folk-rock roots from the Faces era and early solo work, appealing to a broader audience transitioning with him from high-energy rock to interpretive pop standards. He had been invited around the same time as Clapton but delayed due to touring commitments in Australia, ultimately embracing the format for its "warming to the heart" intimacy and "real" quality that showcased his raspy voice without embellishment.[1][11] Pre-recording preparations centered on curating a set of acoustic rearrangements drawn from Stewart's hits, including tracks from his Faces days like those on Gasoline Alley (1970) and solo classics from Every Picture Tells a Story (1971), alongside contemporary pieces such as Van Morrison's "Have I Told You Lately." This selection process emphasized reimagining uptempo songs alongside ballads to balance energy and vulnerability, distinguishing the performance from slower-paced Unplugs while aligning with Stewart's recent shift toward heartfelt, unadorned deliveries. The project was announced in late 1992, positioning it as a natural extension of Vagabond Heart's acoustic explorations and signaling Stewart's intent to reinvigorate his catalog for a new decade.[1][11]Reunion with Ronnie Wood
Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood's musical partnership began in the late 1960s within the Jeff Beck Group, where they developed a close creative bond before transitioning to the Faces in 1969.[12] In the Faces, Wood served as the lead guitarist, contributing his distinctive slide guitar style, while Stewart took on lead vocals, helping define the band's raw, boisterous rock sound through albums like First Step (1970) and Ooh La La (1971).[13] The group, which evolved from the Small Faces after Wood and Stewart joined, toured extensively and built a loyal following with their loose, party-like performances until internal tensions and solo pursuits led to its effective end in 1975, when Stewart focused on his burgeoning solo career and Wood joined the Rolling Stones.[14] Their final collaboration before 1993 occurred during the Faces' last shows in 1975, after which the duo pursued separate paths for nearly two decades, with Wood releasing solo albums such as I've Got My Own Album to Do (1974) and becoming a permanent Rolling Stones member.[15] By the early 1990s, Stewart was navigating a career lull following a series of synth-heavy albums like Out of Order (1988) that failed to recapture his earlier success, prompting a desire to return to his roots.[1] Wood reunited with Stewart for the MTV Unplugged performance after nearly two decades apart. This reunion profoundly shaped the album's song selection, drawing heavily from their Faces-era material to evoke nostalgia and authenticity. Tracks like "Cut Across Shorty," a high-energy cover originally popularized by the Faces, were included to highlight their collaborative history, with Wood's nuanced acoustic and slide guitar work providing a gritty foundation that elevated the unplugged arrangements beyond mere revival.[1] Other selections, such as "Highgate Shuffle" co-written by the pair, benefited from Wood's improvisational flair, infusing the sessions with the spontaneous energy reminiscent of their 1970s performances.[1] In contemporary interviews, both reflected on the 20-year hiatus with fondness and relief. Stewart described the experience as "great to get back with him," emphasizing how Wood's presence reignited his passion for acoustic rock, which he called "probably the best vehicle for me."[1] Wood, serving as a special guest rather than a full band member, noted their effortless reconnection.[1]Recording and production
Session details
The recording of Unplugged...and Seated took place on February 5, 1993, at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, California, as part of MTV's Unplugged series.[16][17] The performance featured an emphasis on acoustic instrumentation, with Stewart and his band utilizing stripped-down arrangements of guitars, mandolins, and percussion to highlight the raw, organic sound of the songs.[1] The stage design was intimate and minimalist, promoting a close-knit atmosphere where the musicians, including a brief reunion with longtime collaborator Ronnie Wood on guitar, performed seated to foster a relaxed, conversational vibe.[1] The taping captured a full 21-song set, which was later edited down to 17 tracks for the album release, allowing for a focused selection that balanced hits and deeper cuts.[18][4] The concert aired on MTV on May 5, 1993, drawing significant viewership and setting the stage for the album's commercial success.[19][20] Production was overseen by Patrick Leonard, who handled the post-taping mixing at Johnny Yuma Recording to refine the live acoustic captures, enhancing clarity and warmth while preserving the spontaneous energy of the performance for the commercial album.[21] This process involved subtle adjustments to balance the intimate sound without over-polishing the raw edges typical of an Unplugged session.[21]Personnel
The personnel for Unplugged...and Seated consisted of Rod Stewart's core touring band augmented by special guest Ronnie Wood and additional session musicians for the acoustic arrangements.[22][5] Musicians:- Rod Stewart – lead vocals, banjo[22][8]
- Ronnie Wood – guitar (special guest on tracks including "Hot Legs," "Cut Across Shorty," and "Three Time Loser")[22][5]
- Jeff Golub – guitar[22][5]
- Jim Cregan – guitar[22][5]
- Don Teschner – guitar, mandolin, violin[22][5]
- Carmine Rojas – bass guitar[22][23]
- David Palmer – drums[24]
- Charles Kentis III – keyboards, organ, piano[25][5]
- Kevin Savigar – piano, organ, accordion[26][5]
- Phil Parlapiano – accordion, mandolin[21][26]
- Jeremy Lubbock – string arrangements, conductor[21][23]
- Backing vocals – Darryl Phinnessee, Dorian Holley, The Waters Sisters (Julia Waters, Maxine Waters Willard, Oren Waters)[21][27]
Music and lyrical content
Musical style
Unplugged...and Seated marks a shift toward acoustic rock and folk influences in Rod Stewart's oeuvre, presenting a collection of reimagined tracks from his earlier catalog in a stripped-down format that emphasizes intimacy and raw emotional delivery. The album features prominent use of acoustic guitar, banjo, and mandolin, with contributions from Ronnie Wood on guitar and minimal bass and piano support, creating a sparse arrangement that contrasts sharply with the electric rock energy of Stewart's 1970s work with the Faces. This unplugged approach, recorded live for MTV, fosters a seated, conversational atmosphere, highlighting Stewart's raspy vocals and the organic interplay of instruments without heavy percussion or electronic embellishments.[30] Lyrical themes throughout the album revolve around nostalgia, romance, and personal reflection, drawing from Stewart's songbook that includes raucous Faces-era rockers and tender covers like Van Morrison's "Have I Told You Lately," which underscores themes of enduring love and vulnerability. Songs such as "Maggie May" evoke retrospective longing for youthful indiscretions, while tracks like "Mandolin Wind" delve into heartfelt introspection about relationships and life's passages, all rendered with a folk-inflected sincerity that amplifies their emotional resonance in the acoustic setting. These themes reflect Stewart's maturation as a songwriter, blending the swagger of his rock past with contemplative maturity.[1][31] Innovations in the arrangements include layered vocal harmonies from backing singers and subtle string orchestrations conducted by Jeremy Lubbock, tailored to enhance the unplugged format's warmth and immediacy without overpowering the core acoustic elements. For instance, the addition of violin and mandolin in select pieces adds a rustic texture, allowing Stewart's banjo playing to shine in quieter moments. This setup not only suits the seated performance style but also revitalizes older material, making it feel contemporaneous.[32] Compared to Stewart's 1970s rock phase, characterized by high-energy electric performances on albums like Every Picture Tells a Story, Unplugged...and Seated bridges to his 1990s pop experimentation by reclaiming a rootsy authenticity amid his evolving adult contemporary sound. It represents a deliberate departure from the polished, mechanical production of his 1980s output, reconnecting with folk-rock origins while incorporating contemporary balladry, thus reaffirming Stewart's versatility across decades.[1][32]Track listing
The original 1993 CD release of Unplugged...and Seated consists of 15 tracks drawn from Rod Stewart's MTV Unplugged concert taped at Universal Studios in Los Angeles on February 5, 1993, with special guest Ronnie Wood. These selections emphasize Stewart's acoustic interpretations of his career-spanning hits and covers, adapted for an intimate, seated arrangement.[33] The track listing, including songwriters and durations, is presented below:| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Hot Legs" | Rod Stewart, Gary Grainger | 3:42 |
| 2 | "Tonight's the Night" | Rod Stewart | 3:52 |
| 3 | "Handbags and Gladrags" | Mike d'Abo | 4:06 |
| 4 | "Cut Across Shorty" | Wayne Walker, Marijohn Wilkin | 4:53 |
| 5 | "Every Picture Tells a Story" | Rod Stewart, Ron Wood | 4:40 |
| 6 | "Maggie May" | Rod Stewart, Martin Quittenton | 5:38 |
| 7 | "Reason to Believe" | Tim Hardin | 3:36 |
| 8 | "People Get Ready" | Curtis Mayfield | 4:30 |
| 9 | "Have I Told You Lately" | Van Morrison | 3:59 |
| 10 | "Tom Traubert's Blues (Waltzing Matilda)" | Tom Waits | 4:35 |
| 11 | "The First Cut Is the Deepest" | Cat Stevens | 4:07 |
| 12 | "Mandolin Wind" | Rod Stewart | 4:45 |
| 13 | "Highgate Shuffle" | Rod Stewart, Ron Wood | 3:49 |
| 14 | "Stay with Me" | Rod Stewart, Ron Wood | 5:17 |
| 15 | "Having a Party" | Sam Cooke | 4:16 |
Release and promotion
Formats and editions
The album Unplugged...and Seated was originally released on May 24, 1993, by Warner Bros. Records in CD, cassette, and vinyl formats, featuring the standard 15-track configuration as detailed in the track listing section.[34][21][35] A remastered version with enhanced audio quality was issued in 2008, primarily for digital distribution.[36][37] In March 2009, Rhino Records released a Collector's Edition as a two-disc set, comprising a 17-track CD that added previously unreleased live performances of "Gasoline Alley" and "Forever Young" to the original lineup, alongside a DVD containing 13 tracks from the MTV Unplugged taping.[38][39][40] Subsequent digital reissues have incorporated the 2008 remaster and expanded tracklist, with the album remaining widely available for streaming on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music as of 2025.[4][6][41]Marketing and media appearances
The primary promotional vehicle for Unplugged...and Seated was the MTV Unplugged television special, recorded on February 5, 1993, at Universal Studios in Los Angeles and broadcast on May 5, 1993, just weeks before the album's release on May 24, 1993.[19] This episode, featuring Stewart alongside special guest Ronnie Wood, showcased acoustic renditions of hits and new material, drawing significant viewership and positioning the performance as a revival of Stewart's rock roots.[42] To further drive sales, Warner Bros. Records released two singles from the album in 1993, both backed by music videos derived from the Unplugged session. The lead single, "Have I Told You Lately," was issued in April 1993 as a CD single containing live unplugged tracks, emphasizing Stewart's emotive delivery in an intimate setting.[43] Its accompanying video, featuring Wood on guitar, highlighted the duo's chemistry during the performance of the Van Morrison cover.[44] The follow-up single, "Reason to Believe," followed in August 1993, also as a CD single with unplugged audio, and its video captured the raw acoustic energy of the taping, reinforcing the album's theme of stripped-down authenticity.[45][46] The album's promotion extended to Stewart's 1993-1994 world tour, titled A Night to Remember - Unplugged ...and More, which incorporated acoustic segments directly inspired by the Unplugged performance. Spanning numerous dates, the tour featured frequent renditions of album tracks such as "Have I Told You Lately" (performed 77 times) and "Maggie May" (79 times), blending unplugged-style sets with full-band arrangements to showcase the new material live.[47] Wood occasionally joined as a guest, amplifying the reunion's appeal. Press coverage in 1993 centered on the long-awaited collaboration with Wood, Stewart's former Faces bandmate, framing the project as a nostalgic return to their shared history. In an interview with The Times, Stewart reflected on rediscovering his vocal strengths through acoustic arrangements, crediting Wood's presence for revitalizing classics like "Every Picture Tells a Story."[1] Additional media appearances included a joint TV interview on Late Night with David Letterman on April 29, 1993, where Stewart and Wood performed "Maggie May" and discussed their reunion, and a June 13, 1993, spot on the UK show Aspel & Company, which delved into the Unplugged taping's emotional highlights.[48][49] These outlets emphasized the session's role in reintroducing Stewart's catalog to a new generation via the unplugged format.Commercial performance
Chart positions
Unplugged...and Seated achieved strong commercial success upon its release, debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart on June 12, 1993, where it remained for 63 weeks total.[50] The album also peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart, spending 31 weeks in total.[51][52] In Canada, it reached number one on the RPM 100 Albums chart for three weeks.[53]| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Billboard 200 | 2 | 63 |
| United Kingdom | UK Albums (OCC) | 2 | 31 |
| Canada | RPM 100 Albums | 1 | Not specified |
| Australia | ARIA Albums | 4 | 18 |
| Netherlands | Dutch Albums Top 100 | 17 | 19 |
| Germany | Offizielle Deutsche Charts | 15 | 25 |
| Austria | Ö3 Austria Top 40 | 7 | 16 |
| Sweden | Sverigetopplistan | 8 | 10 |
| Switzerland | Swiss Music Charts | 16 | 15 |
Certifications and sales
Unplugged...and Seated achieved significant commercial success, with global sales exceeding 5 million copies by 1994, marking a resurgence in Rod Stewart's career following the more modest performance of his previous studio album Vagabond Heart (1991), which sold approximately 3 million units worldwide. In the United States, the album was certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA on November 13, 1995, for shipments of 3 million copies, after receiving its initial Platinum certification in August 1993. In Canada, it earned 3× Platinum status from Music Canada on November 22, 1993, representing 300,000 units. The album also received Platinum certification from the BPI in the United Kingdom for 300,000 units. Additional certifications included Platinum from ARIA in Australia for 70,000 units, as well as Gold awards in Germany (BVMI, 250,000 units), the Netherlands (NVPI, 50,000 units), and Sweden (GLF, 20,000 units). These figures underscore the album's strong international appeal, particularly in English-speaking markets.| Region | Certification | Certified Units | Certifying Body | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Platinum | 70,000 | ARIA | September 1993 |
| Canada | 3× Platinum | 300,000 | Music Canada | November 22, 1993 |
| Germany | Gold | 250,000 | BVMI | - |
| Netherlands | Gold | 50,000 | NVPI | - |
| Sweden | Gold | 20,000 | GLF | - |
| United Kingdom | Platinum | 300,000 | BPI | - |
| United States | 3× Platinum | 3,000,000 | RIAA | November 13, 1995 |