21 Apr, 2008 Nelson Mandela Hyde Park Concert
A recent documentary about Nelson Mandela’s years on Robben island prison reminded me yet again of just how extraordinarily brave all of those who fought for change in South Africa were.
As with many others who sympathised with the anti-apartheid movement, that thought was already present within me when we recorded our Street Fighting Years album at the tail end of the ’80’s. Fuelled with an abundance of admiration for those who embraced the struggle, and with no small amount of anger towards the then UK government who were at that point dragging their heels over the issue of apartheid, we composed Mandela Day and of course played our part along with many others at the memorable Nelson Mandela Freedom Concert that took place at Wembley Stadium.
To this day I can never forget standing in the room and for the first time hearing Charlie Burchill’s cascading guitar melody that became the basis for the song that we dedicated to then impisoned ANC leader. Equally I will always remember how fine it sounded from the Wembley Stadium stage. It just seemed perfect for the event.
Some eighteen or so months later Mandela walked free and led his country into a new age of democracy that enabled the black population of South Africa the right to vote along with other equalities that most of us throughout the democratic world rightfully take for granted.
I will never forget the sensation I felt at the time as I watched live footage of Mr Mandela and his then wife walk down the dusty road that led from Robben Island prison. Although I was watching alone, the cheer I let out was stifled for the most part by the giant lump that emerged in my throat. Mandela and countless others who had fought and in many cases given their lives to secure the dignity that accompanies the most basic of human rights had won the day.
An outrageous and institutionalised mentality that incorporated ignorance and savage brutality at it’s heart, had been overthrown. Put aside forever, discarded as one of the most shameful episodes in recent world history.
On the 27th of June this year yet another concert will take place in Hyde Park London celebrating the life of Mandela. As yet the line up of the artists involved has yet to be announced but being the superstar politician that he is, I am sure that there will a queue of names anxious to be involved.
How very different then from two decades ago when Jerry Dammers of the Specials AKA and Bishop Trevor Huddleston arrived at our then offices in Edinburgh, all set to plea with us to take part in their planned protest concert which aimed to draw attention to the iconic prisoner and leader, who had until then spent more than 25 years incarcerated and very much shut out from the world.
I use the word plea as until that point they had been struggling to secure any so called big name acts.This was no mere charity concert after all.
Nevertheless no plea was necessary as within seconds we confirmed that we would be honoured to take part. Apparently our decision also went some way in convincing Mark Knopfler and within hours Dire Straits confirmed that they would be on board. Jerry knew then that he would have a lot less trouble convincing others to turn up and that the concert would indeed take place. BBC television decided to broadcast and the concert indeed brought a huge international focus and immense pressure on politicians worldwide.
I look back on taking part in the original freedom festival as one of the true highlights of our career as Simple Minds. It goes without saying then that if we are called on to take part in the upcoming tribute to Mandela that we will be there within a heartbeat!
http://music.livenation.co.uk/46664concert/home/
Jim Kerr