The record was brilliant because of a combination of the lyrics, music, production etc but on this version, thanks to the singers, the words really demonstrate their power
Many songs hit us hard but therr are few that embed deep in the body and remain,this is one of them. Legendary lyrics written for a legendary man. The specials take a bow.
Thanx so much for posting this and although the ex-wife was from Coventry I always loved the band. The Specials, Fun Boy Three, Specials AKA.. Nelson Mandela is a great man and it will be a sadder world when we has departed. Thankfully I was in so. California in the 80s and so I heard this song so often in KROQ-FM, Pasadena. It has a terrific melody and beat and message as many of the punk, new wave, post wave, new romantic songs did. You cant beat the politics on the dance floor.
I'll never bash The Specials as they are today cos I absolutely love them! Still, I wish Jerry had joined them. As far as I'm concerned, they're all brilliant in both camps. Jerry's songwriting is outta this world and Free Nelson Mandela is just one of the many examples. Stan Campbell...well,what a voice! And (I'm really late here), thx so much for posting this, I had never seen it before!
This is one of the best things Jerry Dammers and Co ever did. The whole Specials story built up to this point in 1984. Great to see this footage - with Rhoda Dakar, Egidio Newton, Dick Cuthell, and Gary McManus - bass (he has now died I beleive - R.I.P.) And now Jerry Dammers with his Spatial AKA Orchestra (with Rico on trombone), are picking up where this era left off. You can hear the natural thread within the sounds that links it all right up.
Stan looked like he'd been plucked from another planet - there was something sort of other-worldly about him. For sure that voice didn't come from this planet!!
this verision is 1000 times better than the album version!!!!!!! if Special AKA had of came out with a live album they would be worldwide immortal right now... Did anybody actually see them perform this song with Stan Campbell????
he came in a time when his country was under the oppression of european rule and needed him. He lead it to a new and improved future. His methods may be criticized at times but the truth is he brought peace and that outcome can't be denied. There are far too many others who are Actually terrorists and are spreading destruction to hate on Mandela after all the good he did for the people of South Africa. Also Great Song.
Don't be so bitter. Even without Jerry they still do it. I saw them on their 1st tour and when they reformed. I also saw Jerry's Arkestra a couple of years back and they were brilliant. Heal Nelson Mandela!!
Thanks for the upload of this footage, it's very much appreciated! :-) Does anyone by the way know how Stan Campbell is doing these days (I think he's been living in Birmingham since a couple of years)?
This song opened my eyes as to what was happening in the world- I was a teenager. Years later I find out that the beautiful, talented man that was the lead singer attacked a young girl- it’s made me confused, I love and support the song but not Stan Campbell, he now has opened my eyes in a really negative way😢
dave474c I'm familiar with Frankl. I read his book (Man's Search For Meaning) while in high school. OK, upon further review, I suppose you're right. I stand corrected.
RIP Garry, miss you. First peron you met in L3 when arriving at Warwick Uni as a young lad and we became great mates. Chris B.
The record was brilliant because of a combination of the lyrics, music, production etc but on this version, thanks to the singers, the words really demonstrate their power
Epic track! Jerry Dammers is a genius. This is without doubt the best song any political organization has ever used.
Thank you
This should be shown in schools as part of history lessons , brilliant is an understatment !
Many songs hit us hard but therr are few that embed deep in the body and remain,this is one of them. Legendary lyrics written for a legendary man. The specials take a bow.
Jerry damners is a total legend, hero x
Thank u jerry damners for opening a lot of peoples eyes, I was 12 n u made me see the truth x
Stan Campbell, WHAT A VoICe!!!!!!!! He seems even strange here early on.....but what a voice!!!!
Thanx so much for posting this and although the ex-wife was from Coventry I always loved the band. The Specials, Fun Boy Three, Specials AKA.. Nelson Mandela is a great man and it will be a sadder world when we has departed. Thankfully I was in so. California in the 80s and so I heard this song so often in KROQ-FM, Pasadena. It has a terrific melody and beat and message as many of the punk, new wave, post wave, new romantic songs did. You cant beat the politics on the dance floor.
Love this version - if only for the fact it lasts longer
Excellent performance and yes I’ve always liked this one dating back to the pop singles UK chart 1984. Yeh those were the days.
that is jerry dammers. genius. the song of the 20th century. X
I'm gonna try and get my son's marching band director to have them do this song next year.
I'll never bash The Specials as they are today cos I absolutely love them! Still, I wish Jerry had joined them. As far as I'm concerned, they're all brilliant in both camps.
Jerry's songwriting is outta this world and Free Nelson Mandela is just one of the many examples. Stan Campbell...well,what a voice!
And (I'm really late here), thx so much for posting this, I had never seen it before!
A friend played me this song just after Mandelas death and I literally CANNOT get enough of it! Possible future ringtone!
This is one of the best things Jerry Dammers and Co ever did. The whole Specials story built up to this point in 1984. Great to see this footage - with Rhoda Dakar, Egidio Newton, Dick Cuthell, and Gary McManus - bass (he has now died I beleive - R.I.P.)
And now Jerry Dammers with his Spatial AKA Orchestra (with Rico on trombone), are picking up where this era left off. You can hear the natural thread within the sounds that links it all right up.
So powerful song ✊🏾💝💝🦋
I remember hanging out with Stan Campbell on occasions back in the day in Coventry. What fun times were back then
Stan looked like he'd been plucked from another planet - there was something sort of other-worldly about him. For sure that voice didn't come from this planet!!
powerful singing! thank you, all. Nelson Mandela is courageous.
One of the best fucking songs ever!!
this verision is 1000 times better than the album version!!!!!!! if Special AKA had of came out with a live album they would be worldwide immortal right now... Did anybody actually see them perform this song with Stan Campbell????
R.I.P. Mr. Mandela.
he came in a time when his country was under the oppression of european rule and needed him. He lead it to a new and improved future. His methods may be criticized at times but the truth is he brought peace and that outcome can't be denied. There are far too many others who are Actually terrorists and are spreading destruction to hate on Mandela after all the good he did for the people of South Africa. Also Great Song.
Don't be so bitter. Even without Jerry they still do it. I saw them on their 1st tour and when they reformed. I also saw Jerry's Arkestra a couple of years back and they were brilliant. Heal Nelson Mandela!!
complete fucking genius.
just heard president Zuma announce departure of nelson Mandella. Very moving. a terrible loss.
this song and so many others are an example of the love for Mandela that the world felt, no matter the medium of expression.
fabulous voice stan campbell
I've heard the phrase 'British teeth' before, but dear god man!
A good man.
This the 20th Century Amazing Grace.
Where did it all go wrong for Stan?
Skill! #FREEDOM
Fly high Madiba
Me hubiera encantado que esta melodía la hubiera cantado Terry Hall!!! Claro sin quitarle méritos a Stan Campbell.
Thanks for the upload of this footage, it's very much appreciated! :-)
Does anyone by the way know how Stan Campbell is doing these days (I think he's been living in Birmingham since a couple of years)?
RIP Nelson
Didn’t know Falco played drums.
RIP
The lead singer looks like the actor, Leon.
This song opened my eyes as to what was happening in the world- I was a teenager. Years later I find out that the beautiful, talented man that was the lead singer attacked a young girl- it’s made me confused, I love and support the song but not Stan Campbell, he now has opened my eyes in a really negative way😢
Miss you Madiba
Wow!
They did!
strong song but its all about Stan Campbell
Nice.
I LOVE MUCH MUCH JEANNE MARIE ET FRANCOIS HOLLANDE
freeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Where's his teef?
Finally free. RIP.
He was always free. It's in the mind.
dave474c No it isn't.
Charles C It is to a degree. Look up Victor Frankl and his experiences in German concentration camps.
dave474c I'm familiar with Frankl. I read his book (Man's Search For Meaning) while in high school. OK, upon further review, I suppose you're right. I stand corrected.
@SQReader77 I was thinking the same about the teeth.
RIP Mandela
Every single penny made by this song was donated to the ANC.. (and if you believe that, you'll believe anything..).
"Where`s my Free Nelson Mandela?"
teeth weren't so important in those days.
Freeeeeeee.....John Shipleeeeeeeee.........where was heeeeee????
Tuning up at the beginning if you look carefully.
freéeeeeeeeeeeeee trahilala
epic tache!
R.I.P Stan campbell
Has he passed away??
@@Writeowl still alive living in longbridge, lost the plot abit, on medication i think, shame
@@frankyboy6245 Yes, very sad. He had so much potential but clearly his demons got the better of him.
R..I .P Winnie Mandela xoxo
Calotholisism 777 dont you realise the crusades were done with hundreds of years ago, we live in in a munticulturist society what planet do u live on!
Speaking of ruling minorities...
You dont know aloty about history FACTS. Why dont you go home and study before you do comments?
RIP