Rod Stewart’s live unplugged rendition of “Have I Told You Lately” remains one of the most treasured performances of his career. First recorded during his iconic MTV Unplugged session in 1993, the moment continues to resonate with fans worldwide as a masterclass in vulnerability, sincerity, and timeless artistry.
The setting was deliberately intimate, with warm lighting and soft tones creating a cozy, romantic mood. Instead of the grandeur of arenas, Stewart stood close to the microphone in a stripped-back environment, allowing his unmistakable raspy voice to take center stage. Dressed in a simple white shirt and vest, he embodied both elegance and humility, focusing fully on the emotion of the song.
From the first note, the performance felt personal. Gentle acoustic guitar strums, delicate piano chords, and subtle string arrangements supported Stewart’s voice without overwhelming it. The arrangement highlighted the song’s tenderness, carrying each lyric like a whispered confession. His longtime collaborator Ronnie Wood joined him on guitar, adding both familiarity and warmth to the moment.
What made the performance unforgettable was Stewart’s connection to the material. Every glance, every soft smile reflected the weight of the song’s message. “Have I Told You Lately” became less a performance and more a heartfelt declaration of love — intimate, vulnerable, and genuine.
The audience, small and attentive, responded with quiet reverence. They leaned into the stillness, captivated by the unguarded honesty unfolding before them. The applause that followed wasn’t explosive, but soft and knowing — an acknowledgment that they had just witnessed something profoundly real.
As Stewart delivered the closing line, “Have I told you lately that I love you,” the room seemed to hold its breath. It wasn’t just a lyric; it was a reminder of love’s simple power to comfort, uplift, and endure. His nod of gratitude at the end felt like a final signature on a love letter shared with everyone present.
