Mandela Hailed by World of Rock
Musicians from all genres of rock have paid tribute to Nelson Mandela, who died last night aged 95.
The South African freedom fighter spearheaded the dismantling of his nation’s racist apartheid policy, spending 28 years as a political prisoner before becoming president in 1994.
Mandela – often known by his clan name Madiba, and also as Tata, meaning ‘Father’ – passed away at home in Johannesburg surrounded by family. Just before the end his daughter Makaziwe told press: “On his deathbed he is still teaching us lessons. Lessons in patience, lessons in love, lessons in tolerance.”
The last quote attributed to him on his official Twitter account was a comment he made in 1996: “Death is something inevitable.When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.”
Tributes to Mandela
Guns n’Roses: ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ RIP Nelson Mandela
Slash: Really sad to hear we have lost the great Nelson Mandela, one of the few pillars of humanity we had left.
Duff McKagan: He changed the way the world thought. What a great, great man.
Glenn Hughes: Nelson, your love and light has moved mountains. The world has lost a messenger a shining beacon of love. My visit to your country this year was life-changing.
Living Colour: RIP Nelson Mandela! Fight The Fight.
Tom Morello: Hero. Freedom fighter. An iron will and a heart of mercy. Thanks for your struggle and your example.
Yoko Ono: Thank you for your highest standard of commitment to peace in our world. We are so lucky to have been on this planet with you.
Alex Skolnick: What a massive inspiration – imagine spending 27 years in jail and then calling 4 peaceful resistance.
Paul Stanley: A man of principle who lived by his beliefs and changed a country and the world.
Gene Simmons: A sad day. A great man.
Nikki Sixx: RIP Nelson Mandela. A man that changed the world.
Chris Cornell: The world should never forget Nelson Mandela. He left it much better than he found it.
DJ Ashba: We lost an incredible man.
Dave Mustaine: What an amazing man and legacy.
Jeff Scott Soto: The world is a few steps better because of his causes.
Kevin Shirley: So sad to hear of the passing of Mandela. Goodnight Madiba.
Billy Bragg: Politicised by Rock Against Racism and Artists Against Apartheid. Mandela was our leader, his struggle our struggle.
Bootsy Collins: As we watch his spirit rise, we shall all rise with him in his honor. Mr Nelson Mandela continues his journey for freedom. We love you as a man and what you stood for.
Monster Truck: Proof one man can change the world. It’s sad that governments are still violating human rights. Learn from mistakes.
The Doors: R.I.P. to a true leader, visionary, and hero.