The Phone Call From Nelson Mandela That Inspired U2’S 46664 Concert Appearance

April 1, 2025

In the summer of 2003, the world was buzzing with excitement. A legendary figure, Nelson Mandela, was celebrating his 85th birthday, and he was determined to make it a day of hope and change. The former president of South Africa was known not just for his leadership, but for his unyielding fight against apartheid and his belief in equality for all. He wanted to use this special occasion to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, a devastating epidemic that was affecting millions in Africa. As part of his mission, he reached out to the band U2, whose music had long echoed the struggles for justice and peace around the world.

One day, the band’s lead singer, Bono, received an unexpected phone call. It was Mandela himself on the line, his voice warm and welcoming yet filled with a sense of urgency. Bono felt a mix of awe and honor as he listened to the man who had fought for freedom for 27 years in prison. Mandela spoke passionately about the need to rally the world’s attention to the fight against HIV/AIDS, urging Bono and his bandmates to join him. He believed that with the power of music, they could ignite a spark of hope and inspire people to take action. Bono, deeply moved, felt a surge of purpose. The call was more than just an invitation; it was a call to arms for a vital cause.

Inspired by Mandela’s words, U2 decided to perform at the 46664 concert, named after Mandela’s prison number during his years of incarceration. The event, held in Johannesburg, became a monumental celebration not only of Mandela’s life but also of the resilience of the human spirit. It was a night filled with powerful performances from various artists, all united under the banner of activism and hope. Bono and his band poured their hearts into the music, performing some of their most popular songs while sharing heartfelt messages about the importance of fighting against the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.

As the night unfolded, Bono felt the palpable energy from the audience, a sea of faces illuminated by the stage lights, all eager to join in the fight for a better world. The experience transformed U2’s music, bringing a deeper sense of purpose to their performances. No longer just entertainers, they became advocates for change. Bono often reflected on that night, saying how the interaction with Mandela pushed him to use his platform more effectively. It was as if Mandela had ignited a flame within them, encouraging the band to embrace their role as voices for the voiceless.

The concert not only changed U2 but also impacted Bono personally. He became even more involved in charitable initiatives, advocating for global awareness and action against poverty and disease. The power of that phone call lingered in his heart, reminding him that music could be a force for good. Years later, Bono would recall how Mandela inspired not just him, but countless others to believe that their voices mattered. The legacy of that night lived on, as more people began to understand the importance of standing together for a common cause.

In the end, the call from Nelson Mandela was not just a simple request for a concert; it was a profound moment of connection that brought together music, activism, and hope. It highlighted the power of a single voice to inspire change, a reminder that we all have the ability to make a difference, no matter how small. U2’s performance at the 46664 concert became a defining moment in their career, but more importantly, it became a beacon of inspiration, showing that through music, passion, and solidarity, we can tackle even the most daunting challenges ahead.