Classic rock: Tony Iommi has 469 million year-old fossil named after him
“I’ve had a bit of abuse from my friends about it who’ve enjoyed calling me an old fossil,” says Iommi. “But I think it’s great, a real honor”
In 2021 a Swedish paleontologist by the name of Mats E. Eriksson discovered a new species of condodont – an eel-like marine dwelling creature thought to have lived over 469 million years ago – and named it after his metal hero: Tony Iommi.
Drepanoistodus Iommii was thus added to the record and, following confirmation, Eriksson did what any self-respecting metal fan would do: commission a large work of fantasy art featuring Iommi conjuring forth a giant conodont (via Louder).
Earlier this week, Eriksson finally got to meet Iommi and presented the metal legend with a life-sized sculpture of the fossil that now bears his name.
“When I first heard about this, it was a real shock to hear that a fossil’s been named after me!” says Iommi. “I’ve had a bit of abuse from my friends about it who’ve enjoyed calling me an old fossil, but I think it’s great, a real honor.”
A post shared by Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi)
A photo posted by on
The meeting took place at Velvet Music Rooms in Birmingham, UK, and saw Eriksson accompanied by Esben Horn, creator of the Drepanoistodus Iommii sculpture.
Of course, Iommi is no stranger to trinkets and honors, but admits that this one nonetheless sticks out – and not just for its pointy shape.
“This has to be the weirdest thing that’s ever been named after me,” says the guitar legend, in some disbelief.
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
“But I’m really proud of it, and I wanted to thank Mats and his team in person for being such brilliant fans. It was great to meet Mats and Esben today and receive an amazing replica of the Iommi fossil.”
The meeting was arranged by Mike Olley, general manager of Birmingham’s Westside BID – an organization that works to improve the city’s business district.
“Tony is one of Birmingham’s greatest rock heroes,” comments Olley. “This is a fantastic gesture by Mats, and Esben, to honor him in this way. He is now officially an old fossil!”
Iommi seems to have taken the fossil jibes in excellent humor, especially as a fossil specimen reportedly needs to be at least 10,000 years old. Let’s hope Iommi’s new solo album lands well before then.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**
Join now for unlimited access
US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year
UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year
Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Matt is Features Editor for GuitarWorld.com. Before that he spent 10 years as a freelance music journalist, interviewing artists for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.
“He said, ‘That was a great take, but would you like to do it again? …Are those P-90 pickups?’” That time Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon was a total guitar nerd and solved a pro player’s persistent feedback problem in minutes
“Trying to emulate these different players was a challenge. Chris Poland to Marty Friedman is like night and day. But that’s what excites me”: Glen Drover grew up idolizing Megadeth and King Diamond’s guitar heroes – then he had to step into their shoes