Black Sabbath guitarist makes Bali Nine appeal

Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has appealed to heavy metal-loving Indonesian President Joko Widodo to spare the lives of two Australians on death row.

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, part of the Bali Nine who were convicted of drug trafficking in 2006, are due to be executed by firing squad.

In a letter to Widodo, Iommi - credited as being one of the founders of metal music - wrote: "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.

Widodo thrilled metal fans worldwide during last year's election campaign when he revealed his love for Metallica, Megadeath and Lamb of God.

He has even been pictured wearing a Napalm Death T-shirt.

But Widodo, who has already rejected one appeal for clemency for Chan and Sukumaran, has yet to respond to the band's plea.