In 1992, Eric Clapton scored the best-selling live album of all time with the release of “Unplugged” – filmed as an acoustic concert for the similarly titled MTV series, then audio-released to the tune of three Grammy Awards. Now, over 30 years later, Eric’s original footage and live music have been remixed and remastered for retro pop/rock nerds to reminisce over, and it’s been driving Eric Clapton fans wild.
One stand-out clip from the remastered concert – Eric’s acoustic rendition of “Layla” – has already amassed over 1 million YouTube views in a matter of months! This performance and audio-only edition earned Clapton’s “Layla” the Grammy for Best Rock Song back in 1993, and it’s not hard to tell why. Music Man readers can check out the viral video below and prepare to be dazzled by this astounding revamped version of Eric’s 1972 hit.
A bluesy piano woven with classic Clapton guitar licks, a velvet voice that sounds just like the record, a tune that never loses its impact: this phenomenal rendition captures every element that makes Clapton and his music timelessly iconic.
This wasn’t the only remastered Clapton clip to go viral this year. The band’s acoustic cover of “Tears in Heaven” has also been making the rounds, racking up over 1.9 million views within just five months of hitting the site. Watch the magic unfold below!
Eric’s MTV Unplugged performance was recorded in Windsor, England, in the winter of 1992, Surrey-born Eric then being 47 years of age. It’s since become renowned as “one of the most iconic instalments of the entire MTV Unplugged series,” following Eric’s masterful first-time acoustic rearrangements of his own hits.
And it seems the folks at Paramount+ just had to give the rock legend the credit this phenomenal album deserves, not just brightening up the old hits for new listeners, but extending the legendary live album with additional songs and interview clips!
The new, remastered live album, “Eric Clapton Unplugged: Over 30 Years Later,” preludes each song with interview snippets where Eric reveals the inspiration behind his hits. It also includes performances that had been cut from Eric’s original “Unplugged” album, its track listing totaling 17 acoustic hits in all. Clapton fans can stream the entire remastered concert on Paramount+, or grab the brand new CD/LP edition online.
As fresh as Eric’s remaster feels, it’s got fans sinking into nostalgia. As one top commenter on the viral remastered “Layla” performance wrote, “The real thing about this – and some folks will remember – that up until this appearance we were saturated a very long time with electric music. Acoustic bands, and instruments, music on the radio was pretty sparse. This set literally set the entire acoustic industry on fire, and everyone started appreciating the wood again. And it continues through today. I don’t think you could pay him or thank him enough for what this did for everyone.”
Eric Clapton continues to captivate audiences, as demonstrated by the resurgence of his acoustic “Layla” performance. This remixed gem reignites the magic of Clapton’s classic sound, reminding fans why his music remains unforgettable.