A paleontologist at the University of Iowa has named the newly discovered fossils in honor of Buddy Wasisname and the other Fellars. (Sant Joan Arts and Culture Center)
Buddy Wasisname and the other Fellars have been immortalized forever, in fossil form.
Thanks to a professor of paleontology at the University of Iowa, two newly discovered fossils have been named after the legendary trio, which has entertained the public at home in Newfoundland and Labrador, and beyond, for decades.
The 460 million-year-old trilobite species will be known as Oenonella wasisnamei and Oenenella otherfellersorum.
Jonathan Adrain, originally from Alberta, became acquainted with the music of Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers while spending summers in Newfoundland in the 1990’s.
“I had worked in Newfoundland and western Newfoundland on four different summers,” Adrain said. “The 1996 trip we stopped at a gas station and bought a cassette from the album Makin ‘for the Harbor. I only played it non-stop for the rest of the trip. So every time I came back to Newfoundland with my Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers has been the soundtrack. “
The two trilobites were discovered near the town of Main Brook, south of St. Anthony.
A trilobite, extinct for 250 million years, was a marine arthropod that lived at the bottom of the ocean and looked like a horseshoe crab. The fossils discovered were some of the smallest adult trilobites Adrain has ever found.
The 460 million-year-old trilobite species, similar to the one shown here, will be known as Oenonella wasisnamei and Oenenella otherfellersorum, thanks to Jonathan Adrain. (Submitted by Andie Bulman)
While aging performers often jokingly refer to them as fossils, Adrain said, naming trilobites with the band is actually their way of paying tribute.
“I’ve always named the species with all sorts of weird things, but it’s always an act of homage,” Adrain said. “He’s always someone who wants to say something, or he’s been with me for a while for a while in my life.”
Even the trilobites selected to honor the group were chosen for a specific reason.
Normally, Adrain explained, he would name a different type of species after each member of a band.
“I was looking for a couple of very beautiful and closely related species. Since the name of the band itself is a kind of joke, I was looking for two species with which I could make the same kind of joke.”
Among others, Adrain has named the fossils: members of the Edmonton Oilers, the Beatles, drag queens and even a taxi driver who did not charge him for his trip to the airport.
The musical trio of Kevin Blackmore, Wayne Chaulk and Ray Johnson released their first album in 1986. (St. John’s Arts & Culture Center)
Buddy Wasisname and the other Fellars are now on this list.
Decades after first listening to the band’s music, Adrian still has them close and dear to his heart. Her favorite song is Where the Mountains Meets the Bay.
“Funny things are great, but there are so many songs that affect me so deeply. This is the one I really miss.”
Wayne Chaulk, one of the other Fellars, said he was surprised to learn, via email from Kevin Blackmore, also known as Buddy Wasisname, that he is now a fossil.
“I got a crazy email from my friend Kevin informing me that we have now reached the peak of fame,” he said laughing. “There’s nothing better than that, b’y!”
Chaulk said the honor is one of the most unique he has received in 37 years with the band.
“Whenever someone recognizes you in some way for what you’ve accomplished, when you show gratitude, when you present yourself with a token of gratitude, that’s a feather in your cap,” Chaulk said. That feels good. “
LISTENING | Jonathan Adrain explains naming the newly discovered fossils with Buddy Wasisname and the other Fellars:
St John’s Morning Show7: 46Buddy Wasisname immortalized as fossils
We hear from a paleontologist who has named two species of trilobites recently discovered after Buddy Wasisname and the other Fellers.
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