The thought to be first "unplugged" performance on MTV was during the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, featuring Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora performing "Wanted Dead or Alive". It was actually XTC in May of 1989 performing on MTV. Following the popularity of the performance, MTV began the Unplugged series of concerts.
Nirvana's performance on Unplugged (see MTV Unplugged in New York) is also of special note; it was the last televised performance by Kurt Cobain. Nirvana's performance consisted mostly of little-known material from themselves, the Meat Puppets, and David Bowie. This is a contrast to other Unplugged concerts, where artists largely perform their own songs.
Artists featured on MTV Unplugged include: