Back in 2021, Danish and Swedish paleontologists discovered a fossil of a new species of conodonts. Researcher Mats E. Eriksson named the fossil Drepanoistodus Iommii after Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, continuing his long-held tradition of naming fossils after metal legends.
"I personally have quite an extensive track record of combining my science of palaeontology with heavy music (manifested through fossils named after Lemmy Kilmister, Alex Webster and King Diamond, but also through the travelling exhibition Rock Fossils, popular science books, and even 'paleo metal' records), so it came easy to me," said Eriksson at the time.
"Tony Iommi has been high on my list of people I wanted to honor this way. To my great pleasure, both my fellow co-authors loved the suggestion. So, now Tony Iommi is also immortalized in the scientific literature with the gorgeous species Drepanoistodus Iommi."
Now in 2023, Eriksson has presented Iommi with a life-sized sculpture of the prehistoric fossil created by sculptor Esben Horn.
"When I first heard about this, it was a real shock to hear that a fossil's been named after me!" said 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 honour.
"This has to be the weirdest thing that's ever been named after me 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."
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, arranged the presentation and added: "I'm delighted we were able to set up a meeting between Tony, Mats and Esben, and present Tony with the model of the fossil named after him. Tony is one of Birmingham's greatest rock heroes and this is a fantastic gesture by Mats, and Esben, to honour him in this way. He is now officially an old fossil!"
