After much speculation, Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin confirmed that the popular book series and HBO show is certainly in part inspired by the Grateful Dead. In an interview with New York’s 92nd Street Y, Martin, who calls his home “Terrapin Station,” said that he’s “certainly a fan” of the band when being asked about references to lyrics and song titles in his work. Tunes like “Dire Wolf,” “Dark Star” and others have all been name-checked in past works and of course there is the “Weirwood Tree.”

However, it is Martin’s wife Paris that is the bigger fan in the family. “My wife Paris is perhaps more of a fan of the Grateful Dead than I am,” he said. Martin continued, “I have Grateful Dead lyrics rattling around in my head all the time. ‘Ripple’ is one of my favorite songs of all time.” He then went on to quote the tune’s lyrics, “There is a road, no simple highway.”

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