It's been just over 25 years since Nirvana delivered one of their most famous performances on MTV's now-classic program Unplugged, and the band's estate have now released new footage of the pre-show rehearsal in which the seminal grunge group run through a particularly somber rendition of "Polly" while requesting adjustments from the crew. The relaxed, candid atmosphere of the clip makes the song's stripped-down structure and haunting lyrics maybe ever more mesmerizing than in its official-release version. Dave Grohl's signature humor shines through as he smokes a cigarette and goofs around in the background, but Kurt Cobain's death less than six months after filming still lends an overwhelming pathos to the casual, even light-hearted proceedings.
The 25th anniversary edition of Nirvana: MTV Unplugged is due out November 1st via Geffen Records on double vinyl and will include all the classic tracks heard on the show, plus rehearsals of "Come as You Are," "Polly," "Plateau," "Pennyroyal Tea" and their cover of David Bowie's classic "The Man Who Sold the World." You can pre-order it here.
