As far as those kinds of things, I also played at the concert to call for the release of Nelson Mandela when he was a political prisoner in South Africa. We were celebrating his 70th birthday and calling for his release.

In this quote, Jackson Browne, an American singer-songwriter, reflects on his involvement in a concert that aimed to raise awareness for the release of Nelson Mandela, who was then a political prisoner in South Africa. Browne mentions performing at this event to celebrate Mandela's 70th birthday and to call for his release, highlighting his participation in the global movement to end apartheid and secure Mandela's freedom. The concert serves as a powerful reminder of the role that music and artists can play in advocating for political change and human rights.

Browne emphasizes the significance of the event, not only as a celebration of Mandela's life but as a political statement. By participating in this concert, Browne and other artists helped to bring international attention to the struggle against apartheid and the unjust imprisonment of one of the most influential leaders in the fight for racial equality and justice. The event was both a celebration of Mandela's legacy and a call to action for his immediate release.

The concert mentioned by Browne also reflects the growing global solidarity during the 1980s to put pressure on the South African government and to demand justice for Mandela and other victims of apartheid. The performance was part of a broader activism movement, where musicians and public figures used their platforms to influence public opinion and mobilize support for political causes, with Browne's involvement marking his personal commitment to social justice.

Ultimately, Jackson Browne's quote underscores the power of music as a tool for activism and the importance of using one’s public platform to stand up for causes of human rights. His participation in the concert to call for Nelson Mandela’s release highlights the significant role artists played in shaping political discourse and advocating for freedom and equality during a time of global tension and injustice.