Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith - Miss Misery Live Performance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Late Night With Conan O'Brien
New York, NY, United States

• On March 4, 1998, Elliott Smith performed "Miss Misery" on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," showcasing his burgeoning impact on the music scene. At th... Read Full Description >

  On March 4, 1998, Elliott Smith performed "Miss Misery" on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," showcasing his burgeoning impact on the music scene. At this time, Smith had released his critically acclaimed album "Either/Or" just a year prior, in 1997, which significantly raised his profile; the album features some of his most notable tracks, including "Say Yes" and "Between the Bars." This live performance also coincided with the release of the soundtrack for the film "Good Will Hunting," where "Miss Misery" was featured, leading to a surge in Smith's popularity. The exposure from the show and the soundtrack helped solidify his status as a significant alternative artist in the late '90s. Interestingly, Smith's raw and emotional performance style during this era resonated with audiences, marking a pivotal moment in his career as he began to reach a wider audience and gain recognition for his poignant songwriting.

Elliott Smith Performs 'Miss Misery' at the Academy Awards

Academy Awards
Los Angeles, CA, United States

• In March 1998, Elliott Smith performed "Miss Misery" at the Academy Awards, an event that marked a significant moment in his career. This performance ... Read Full Description >

  In March 1998, Elliott Smith performed "Miss Misery" at the Academy Awards, an event that marked a significant moment in his career. This performance came shortly after the release of his acclaimed album "Either/Or," which had debuted in 1997 and showcased his distinctive blend of introspective lyrics and melodic craftsmanship. "Miss Misery" was notably nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, a rare honor for an artist in the indie music scene at the time. This live appearance also greatly increased his visibility to a broader audience, exposing his unique sound to mainstream listeners. Interestingly, Smith's performance at the Oscars highlighted his struggle with fame and the pressures of the music industry, themes often reflected in his work, making the performance not only a career milestone but also a poignant moment that encapsulated his artistic journey.

Elliott Smith Live at Reading Festival - Full Concert Performance

Reading Festival
Reading, United Kingdom

• In August 1998, when Elliott Smith performed at the Reading Festival, he was riding the wave of newfound recognition after the release of his critical... Read Full Description >

  In August 1998, when Elliott Smith performed at the Reading Festival, he was riding the wave of newfound recognition after the release of his critically acclaimed album "XO," which had come out earlier that year. This marked a pivotal moment in his career, transitioning from an underground artist to a more mainstream figure. The live set included standout tracks from "XO," such as “Waltz #2 (XO)” and “Independence Day,” showcasing his poignant songwriting and distinct vocal style. Additionally, this concert occurred during a time when Smith was increasingly gaining attention for his unique blend of introspective lyrics and melodic hooks, often addressing themes of love, loss, and personal struggles. Notably, his performance style was characterized by an intimate atmosphere, even at larger venues like Reading, which resonated deeply with his audience.

Elliott Smith - Live Performance of 'Waltz #2' on 2 Meter Sessions

2 Meter Sessions
Netherlands

• On November 29, 1998, Elliott Smith performed “Waltz #2” during a live session for the Dutch music program "2 Meter Sessies." This performance occ... Read Full Description >

  On November 29, 1998, Elliott Smith performed “Waltz #2” during a live session for the Dutch music program "2 Meter Sessies." This performance occurred shortly after the release of his critically acclaimed album, "Either/Or," which was released in 1997. "Either/Or" marked a significant moment in Smith’s career, as it helped to elevate his status within the indie music scene and introduced his introspective songwriting style to a wider audience. The song “Waltz #2” is particularly notable for its intricate melody and poignant lyrics, encapsulating themes of love and longing that are prevalent in Smith's work. By the time of this live session, Smith was gaining popularity and recognition, as his music resonated with an audience drawn to its emotional depth and vulnerability. This performance exemplifies his ability to connect with listeners, showcasing his talent in a live setting that highlighted his minimalistic arrangements and heartfelt delivery.

Elliott Smith - 'I Didn't Understand' Live at 2 Meter Sessions

2 Meter Sessions
Heemskerk, NH, Netherlands

• In November 1998, when Elliott Smith performed live at the "2 Meter Sessies" in the Netherlands, he was riding the wave of critical acclaim following ... Read Full Description >

  In November 1998, when Elliott Smith performed live at the "2 Meter Sessies" in the Netherlands, he was riding the wave of critical acclaim following the release of his album "XO." Released earlier that year, "XO" marked a significant point in Smith's career, showcasing his growing presence in the indie music scene. This album featured some of his most recognized songs and represented a shift towards a more polished sound, buoyed by a production team that included the influential Rob Schnapf. Interestingly, Smith's performance of "I Didn't Understand" during this session is emblematic of his introspective songwriting style, often reflecting themes of love and disillusionment. This live recording captures a moment when Smith was gaining traction, bridging the gap between indie acclaim and broader recognition as an artist capable of heartfelt and complex narratives through his music.

Elliott Smith Performs 'Miss Misery' at 2 Meter Sessions in Utrecht

2 Meter Sessions
Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands

• In November 1998, during the recording session for the "2 Meter Sessies," Elliott Smith had recently released his critically acclaimed album, "Either/... Read Full Description >

  In November 1998, during the recording session for the "2 Meter Sessies," Elliott Smith had recently released his critically acclaimed album, "Either/Or," which came out in 1997. This album solidified his reputation as a standout figure in the indie music scene, featuring poignant songwriting and intimate arrangements. The live performance of "Miss Misery," a song that later appeared on the soundtrack of the film "Good Will Hunting," showcases Smith's signature style and lyrical depth, highlighting his ability to convey emotional complexity. By this time, Smith was gaining significant recognition, which would only grow after the release of "Good Will Hunting" in 1997, leading to wider exposure for his music. This session at the "2 Meter Sessies" exemplifies Smith's raw talent in a live setting, capturing the essence of his artistry just as he was on the brink of mainstream success.

Elliott Smith - Waltz #2 Live Performance on Later... with Jools Holland

Later... with Jools Holland
London, United Kingdom

• In December 1998, when Elliott Smith performed "Waltz #2" on *Later... with Jools Holland*, he was at a pivotal moment in his career, having recently ... Read Full Description >

  In December 1998, when Elliott Smith performed "Waltz #2" on *Later... with Jools Holland*, he was at a pivotal moment in his career, having recently released his highly acclaimed album, *Either/Or*, earlier that year. This album marked a significant breakthrough for Smith, showcasing his introspective songwriting and unique sound. His appearance on Jools Holland's show introduced him to a wider audience in the UK, aligning with his growing reputation as a promising artist within the indie music scene. Notably, *Either/Or* features some of his most beloved tracks and is often credited with influencing a generation of singer-songwriters. This performance exemplified his intimate style, capturing the raw emotion of his live shows, which resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. Smith’s vulnerability in his music, highlighted during this performance, has become a defining characteristic of his artistic identity.