U2′s Bono Does His Nelson Mandela Impression (Audio)

At “Mandela” screening, Bono tells audience how Mandela taught a lesson in humility

Bono told a story Sunday about the time Nelson Mandela found himself addressing an arena that was only one-tenth full. In the process, he did a Mandela impression for which apologized in advance.

“Please excuse this,” the U2 frontman said. “Every idiot thinks he can do Nelson Mandela.”

Members of the band spoke Sunday after a screening of “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” at the Director’s Guild of America in New York City. Their song from the film, “Ordinary Love,” is nominated for a Best Original Song Oscar.

Bono (pictured with Mandela in 2003) recounted how he once took part in a concert that was turning into a disaster.

“We’ve done a few things as a band… they don’t all work out very well,” Bono said. “We were part of one called — it’s actually the most memorable title of any event we’ve ever been involved in — it was called ‘Frock and Roll.’ And it was an attempt to marry the worlds of music and fashion for Mr. Mandela’s children’s fund, I think.”