A rock journalist who may have inspired Metallica’s band name has died at the age of 66.

Malcolm Dome was a longtime rock journalist and author, who in 1981 wrote a book titled Encyclopedia Metallica.  

Many think that Metallica, who formed that same year, got their name from Dome’s book – though the band says they got the name from a friend.

Over the years, Dome wrote for publications like Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, and Kerrang!, and wrote books on Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and, yes, Metallica.

His death inspired many tributes from the metal world – including artists like Iron Maiden, Devin Townsend, and Motorhead’s Phil Campbell.

Have you read any of Malcolm Dome’s books?  Do you think that’s where Metallica got their name?