Two years ago, I saw a local Minnesota band called Mallrats. Since then, I’ve seen them about half a dozen times. Heck, last summer, I drove an hour and a half to see them, so when I heard they were playing at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis (only 20 minutes from my house), I knew I had to make it out once again. Fans poured into the venue, ordered their favorite drinks, and sat down, ready for an intimate yet incredibly comfortable atmosphere. It was perfect for the band’s homage to MTV’s legendary Unplugged performances of the ’90s.
Mallrats covered an impressive range of artists, from Eric Clapton to Alice In Chains to Oasis. Lead vocalist Mark Schultz flawlessly captured the essence of each singer, nailing their distinct styles. Guitarists Brady Hermel and Dan Schepers play flawlessly and have a lot of fun playing and interacting with the crowd. When the band took on female vocalists like Alanis Morissette, Marie Fredriksson, or Delores O’Riorden, powerhouse Megan Struxness captivated the audience with her stage presence and contagious smile. Her rendition of Uninvited always gives me chills.
The three-hour show was split into two sets with a 20-minute intermission. Each ’90s artist they covered got a mini-tribute of two to three songs, keeping the crowd engaged the whole night. No one overpowered anyone else—it was a perfect blend of talent and synergy. As the show continued, more and more people got up from their seats, singing along to their favorite anthems. The grand finale? A high-energy performance of “Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS sent the audience into a frenzy!
I go to a lot of live shows and have literally seen hundreds of bands. I can honestly say that this MTV Unplugged mashup is consistently one of the most enjoyable shows I’ve ever seen. It’s definitely in my top ten. Mallrats masterfully blends top-tier musicianship, down-to-earth humor, and pure ’90s nostalgia. If you’re in Minnesota and get the chance to see them, don’t hesitate—it’s an experience you won’t forget!
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