He's voiced his opposition to the death penalty, the cause he feels the most passionate about, at numerous demonstrations as well as in song. In fact, two of his most chilling records, Billy Austin and Ellis Unit One the latter from the film Dead Man Walking examine the issue's emotional complexities through the eyes of a death row inmate and a distraught prison guard, respectively. A complex, outspoken character, the multi-tattooed Earle has an image as one tough, temperamental dude. Yet the man primed for self-destruction earlier this decade is moving forward, focused on healing old wounds and learning from past mistakes. But I'm proof that you don't have to die. . . .
People can change.