Sir George Martin dead: Game of Thrones fans had ‘mini-heart attack’ when they thought George RR Martin had died

The author has yet to finish the highly anticipated sixth novel ‘The Winds of Winter’

George RR Martin is a big Grateful Dead fan (Getty Images)

Sir George Martin, the legendary producer affectionately known as the fifth Beatle, has died aged 90.

While tributes have poured in from fans and critics alike to mark Sir George’s contribution to music, a staggering number of Game of Thrones fans misread the producer’s name and described having “mini-heart attacks” when they believed the series author, George RR Martin, had died.

Many speculated on Twitter how long it would take for fans of the series to start an ill-placed outpouring of grief – and it didn’t take long.

Most Game of Thrones fans expressed shock and then relief that Mr Martin is still alive and will therefore be able to finish his highly-anticipated sixth book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, Winds of Fire.

Sir George was the head of the Parlophone record label when he started working with The Beatles, helping them to achieve global success.

Ringo Starr shared the news of Sir George’s death by tweeting: “God bless George Martin peace and love to Judy and his family love Ringo and Barbara. George will be missed.”

Sir George's family have thanked "everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support," his manager said on Tuesday following the news of his death.