London Rock Fans Throng Concert Salute to Mandela

More than 70,000 rock fans thronged to an anti-apartheid concert televised to a potential audience of 1 billion people today as a tribute to black nationalist leader Nelson R. Mandela and his campaign to end white minority rule in South Africa.

Mandela and his wife Winny both smiled broadly and raised their right fists in a symbol of defiance as they entered London’s Wembley Stadium and sat in a special section with other dignitaries.

Mandela was scheduled to deliver an address at the conclusion of the concert.

The audience crammed the arena to capacity, cheering, waving flags and releasing balloons as a succession of musicians performed on a vast stage adorned with the colors of the African National Congress and African art murals.

The first artist in the program, expected to last some four hours, was singer Patti LaBelle. Others on the card were Tracy Chapman, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds, Lou Reed, Neil Young, Chrissie Hynde, Dave Stewart and Miriam Makeba.

“If anyone had trouble with the traffic getting here, there was one guy who took 27 years to get here,” said British comedian Lenny Henry.

The British Broadcasting Corp. said 26 nations--a potential audience of 1 billion people--will receive live coverage, giving Mandela the largest platform to air his views since he was released after 27 years in jail on Feb. 11.

Organizers said there will be numerous collaborations and unlikely duets between musicians. The event is predicted to be of a similar magnitude as the 1985 Live Aid concert and a 1988 event staged to mark Mandela’s birthday in captivity.

Mandela is in Britain for the first time in 28 years but has refused to meet Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who eased sanctions against Pretoria because it proceeded with reform plans, including releasing him and legalizing the ANC.