The Riff Lord doing God's work.
http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/ ... 3upso.htmllack Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi - whom some credit as the most influential musician in the creation of heavy metal music - has appealed to
metal-loving Indonesian President Joko Widodo to spare the lives of the two Australians on death row.
He wrote a letter to Widodo which has been translated and is believed to have been delivered to the President's office in Jakarta on Wednesday morning by Australian officials.
On Wednesday, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were transferred from Kerobokan prison to Nusakambangan island, where they are expected to be executed by firing squad.
Iommi wrote: "The lndonesian prison system has had great success in transforming Andrew and Myuran.
"I appeal to you, as a forgiving man, to take note of their transformation. They are now reformed men who are making a positive difference to the lives of their fellow prisoners. That they have been transformed so much is a real credit to the lndonesian authorities. For this reason, I would ask that you stop the execution of Andrew and Myuran."
Earlier this month, British metal act Napalm Death made a similar appeal to Widodo, who thrilled heavy rock fans by professing his love of the music. Now the stars Widodo respects are hoping to change the hard-line President's mind.
The letter was organised by Jon Dee, who is founder of the Australian charity DoSomething.
Iommi has been involved in DoSomething's project "Rock Aid Armenia" project for 25 years and has helped to build a music school in an Armenian earthquake zone for 200 children.
Iommi's letter, which was sent on a signed letterhead - with a contact phone number - read in full:
The President of lndonesia
3rd March 2015
Your Excellency, I am writing to appeal to you to grant clemency to Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran.
I understand and respect your efforts to combat drug abuse in lndonesia, this is something that all countries are having to deal with.
lndeed, I have seen first hand the negative impacts that drugs can have on people and their families. That is why I understand your strong views on this issue. The lndonesian prison system has had great success in transforming Andrew and Myuran.
I appeal to you, as a forgiving man, to take note of their transformation. They are now reformed men who are making a positive difference to the lives of their fellow prisoners.
That they have been transformed so much is a real credit to the lndonesian authorities.
For this reason, I would ask that you stop the execution of Andrew and Myuran.
Please allow them to serve out life sentences where they contribute to the wellbeing of lndonesia and make good for the error of their previous ways. I do hope you will consider this personal appeal.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Iommi
Guitarist, Black Sabbath.