In 2005, Robert Plant, the iconic frontman of Led Zeppelin, met Nelson Mandela during the “46664” AIDS benefit concert in South Africa. The event, named after Mandela’s prison number during his 27-year incarceration, was a powerful initiative to raise global awareness and funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS, a crisis devastating communities across Africa. Mandela, known not only as a freedom fighter and statesman but also as a tireless advocate for health and human rights, brought together global artists to use the universal language of music as a force for change.
Plant joined a stellar lineup that included Queen, Annie Lennox, and other international stars. Known for his powerful voice and electrifying performances, Plant delivered a set that resonated with both emotional depth and energy. More than just a concert, the event symbolized a shared commitment to justice, compassion, and collective action.
Meeting Mandela was a profound moment for Plant. He expressed immense respect for the former South African president, describing him as a symbol of strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to justice. Their brief interaction left a lasting impression on the musician, who viewed Mandela not just as a political leader, but as a moral beacon for humanity.
The 46664 concert became a memorable highlight in Plant’s career—not for the music alone, but for the deeper purpose it served. It was a moment when art met activism, and Plant embraced the opportunity to lend his voice to a global cause under Mandela’s inspiring leadership. For Plant, standing on that stage in South Africa, in the presence of a living legend, was more than a performance; it was a call to action, and a tribute to the power of unity in the face of adversity.
