Mandela gig 35 years ago today

[the visitor]

The Mandela 88 gig is a perfect festival greatest hits set. Plus it is raw with energy, and Clapton on second guitar adds a really well executed dynamic.  This whole concert holds a special place for me because it was really the tape that got me into DS.  The live versions on here sit in a category of their own for me and surpass the tour versions of the songs played.

This era in DS history is really interesting for me.  I can't help but wonder that if the band had made an album in 1988 it would have maybe even been better than BIA.  By OES the sound was overcooked for me, but you still had the energy of the BIA tour here plus the refinements that emerged for the OES tour.

Such a shame the concert itself has never made an official audio release.

[Darling Pretty]

I was only 13 when this concert was shown on TV.
I saw some clips from the 1985 Wembley concert before as SFA and The Man's too strong.
Then I read about the Mandela concert and DS to appear as a Headliner.
I was very upset and happy. Could not wait.
On the 11th of June I waited the whole day for their appearance. 
FInally they got on stage and my heart was bumping.
I really love the raw energy of WOL. Cool Clapton solos. Best live version ever.
SOS: was ok, a bit lame
BIA: best live version ever. But nothing reaches the Studio version. That feeling and atmosphere.
Cool to hear Solid Rock as well.
A classic Gig. Cannot believe it is 35 years ago now
Well done

[ds1984]

I like the raw solo of EC on Solid Rock
Wished Eric was bit better mixed.

And WOL benefited so much from Eric as well, featured no less than 3 solos.
The latest one being blistering, iIt really changed my perception on that song that I otherwise skip.

Nice short version of WT with Mark backing vocal.

[Skinny Kid]

The Wembley 88 version of Sultans will always be very special to me.
The tempo is a bit slower than usual but the song has an atmosphere of
its own. And the sound of the Pensa-Suhr is unique.

Romeo is awesome all along and reaches new heights when MK gets back
with the P-S for the solo !

Walk of Life is one of the best versions ever, yes. Thanks EC !

That concert was mesmerizing to say the least.

I agree that an album from 88 would have been fantastic. It's very likely
that we would've had great studio versions of I think I love you too much
and when it comes to you !

[JF]

BIA: best live version ever. But nothing reaches the Studio version. That feeling and atmosphere.

exactly 

[JF]

I really love the raw energy of WOL. Cool Clapton solos. Best live version ever.

fully agree

[Robson]

But I like Solid Rock better with Knewborth

[JF]

But I like Solid Rock better with Knewborth

I think Mark played a wrong note there

[dmg]

But I like Solid Rock better with Knewborth

I think Mark played a wrong note there

The more I listen to that part, the "less bad" it seems to sound and I am wondering if it is indeed a mistake.  Personally it's my favourite version ever as the guitar sounds great and the arrangement is by far the best.