At a New York City event Thursday night for his human rights organization Witness, Peter told ABC News Radio that Mandela's death was "an enormous loss."
Peter said of Mandela, "He's the great figurehead for anyone struggling for human rights, you know, maybe Gandhi before, but to go from to a violent struggle and then reach non-violence and forgiveness and really inspire not only your own people but people all around the world, we haven't seen anything like that."
The human rights group The Elders, which was launched by Mandela in 2007, began as an idea from Peter and mogul Richard Branson . It's comprised of global leaders who work together for peace and human rights.
Peter's ties to Mandela extend to the musical arena, too. He performed at a 70th birthday concert for Mandela at London's Wembley Stadium in 1988, performing "Biko," about South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko .
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Concert Nelson Mandela
