The Smithereens & Graham Parker – MTV Unplugged (1990)

🎸 The Smithereens & Graham Parker – MTV Unplugged (1990) 🎶 1️⃣ Description of the Performance 🔥 In January 1990, The Smithereens teamed up with British rock legend Graham Parker for one of the earliest and most memorable episodes of MTV Unplugged. Recorded in December 1989 and aired on January 29, 1990, this intimate acoustic set showcased the New Jersey power-pop heroes and Parker’s sharp songwriting in a stripped-down, soulful format. 2️⃣ Track Info 🎵 📀 Performance: MTV Unplugged – Season 1, Episode 2 🎤 Artists: The Smithereens & Graham Parker 🎬 Recorded: December 13, 1989 – New York City 💿 Aired: January 29, 1990 on MTV 🎶 Genre: Rock / Power Pop / Acoustic 🎵 Setlist Highlights: A Girl Like You Behind the Wall of Sleep (feat. Graham Parker) Blood and Roses Cupid / Chain Gang (Sam Cooke medley feat. Graham Parker) 3️⃣ About the Show ℹ️ This MTV Unplugged performance captured The Smithereens at the height of their late-’80s success, blending their Beatles-inspired power pop with acoustic warmth. Graham Parker, known for his biting lyrics and soulful delivery, joined them for several songs, including a standout medley of Sam Cooke classics. The collaboration highlighted the chemistry between American college rock and British pub rock traditions, making this episode a fan favorite. 4️⃣ Lineup on This Performance 👥 🎤 Pat DiNizio – Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica 🎸 Jim Babjak – Guitar, Vocals 🎸 Mike Mesaros – Bass, Vocals 🥁 Dennis Diken – Drums, Vocals 🎤 Special Guest: Graham Parker – Vocals, Guitar 5️⃣ Lyrics Highlight ✍️ (excerpt – just a taste) “She was mine, midnight till the break of day…” (Behind the Wall of Sleep) 6️⃣ Fun Facts 🤘 🎬 This was Episode 2 of MTV Unplugged’s very first season, making it part of the show’s foundation. 🎶 The Smithereens later released an MTV Unplugged EP (2011, reissued 2020) featuring tracks from this session. 🎤 Graham Parker’s collaboration added a unique edge, especially on the Sam Cooke medley “Cupid/Chain Gang.” 🕶️ The performance showed that The Smithereens’ power-pop anthems worked just as well acoustically. 🏆 The episode is still remembered as one of the hidden gems of early MTV Unplugged history. 7️⃣ Follow The Smithereens & Graham Parker 🌍 🌐 The Smithereens Website: https://www.officialsmithereens.com 📸 The Smithereens Instagram:   / the_smithereens_official   👍 The Smithereens Facebook:   / thesmithereensofficial   8️⃣ Don’t Forget 🙌 👉 LIKE 👍 | SHARE 🔗 | SUBSCRIBE 🔔 💬 Tell us in the comments: What’s your favorite Smithereens or Graham Parker MTV Unplugged moment? 🔥 Hashtags #TheSmithereens #GrahamParker #MTVUnplugged #PowerPop #ClassicRock #WatsonMusicLegends