in memory of DUNE author Frank Herbert

October 8, 1920: Frank Herbert (Franklin Patrick Herbert Jr. October 8, 1920 – February 11, 1986)

This author inspired the Iron Maiden song "To Tame a Land." Internet sources seem to show that bassist Steve Harris wrote the song and is a direct retelling of the plot and themes of Dune, featuring characters and lore such as Paul Atreides, the Fremen, the desert planet Arrakis, spice, and the sandworms. Iron Maiden originally wanted to title the track "Dune" and open it with a spoken word quotation from the book. When the band's management reached out to Frank Herbert for permission, Herbert denied the request. His agent famously relayed to the band: "Frank Herbert doesn't like rock bands, particularly heavy rock bands, and especially bands like Iron Maiden." Herbert threatened legal action if they used the title or quote, forcing the band to change the name to "To Tame a Land" for their 1983 album Piece of Mind.

IRON MAIDEN - To Tame a Land