Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters and Canadian rock band Blurred Vision have launched a video campaign about Iran in conjunction with Amnesty International.
 
"Hey Ayatollah” is a collaborative video petition based on the refrain “"Hey Ayatollah Leave Those Kids Alone!", a make-over of the “Hey teacher” line from Pink Floyd’s Another Brick In The Wall. The video includes rock legend Roger Waters’ own recording of the new refrain.
 
The video project, coming after Blurred Vision’s well-received cover of Another Brick In The Wall last year, encourages viewers to submit their own ten-second video clips of themselves joining in the Hey Ayatollah Leave Those Kids Alone! call ( www.blurredvisionmusic.com/heyayatollah ).
 
Fans are also being encouraged to support Amnesty’s Iran petition ( http://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=646 to demand freedom of expression and an end to executions in Iran.
 
Blurred Vision’s Iranian-born brothers Sepp (guitar, lead vocals) and Sohl (bassist) hope the project will raise awareness and show support for young people in Iran and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.  
 
Blurred Vision lead vocalist Sepp said:
 
“We’re inspired by artists such as John Lennon, Bob Marley, The Clash and Pink Floyd who took a stand against oppression, war and tyranny and stood up for human rights, freedom and equality.
 
“We hope our generation and its artists will follow ours and Roger Waters’ example and lend their voice to the campaign in the form of a ten-second video message.
 
“Events in Iran, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya demonstrate the power of young people rising up against oppression, and Blurred Vision champion this idea in our music.
 
“We’re delighted to be working with Amnesty international and with the man himself and great hero of ours, Roger Waters, lending their support to the campaign we really hope can make a difference and lead to a positive change in the region.”
 
Head of Art For Amnesty Jo Metcalf said:
 
“Music and art have a unique power to bring people together and inspire them to take action.
 
“This year Amnesty International marks its 50th anniversary. While the struggle for human rights continues, the power and opportunity for individual action to change the world has never been so great.
 
“Please join Blurred Vision, Roger Waters and Amnesty International in adding your voice to our campaign.”