Rocking with a true rocket man

It’s common knowledge that science-fiction writer Ray Bradbury, who died Tuesday at 91, was an inspiration to writers and filmmakers, both of whom used his remarkable ideas as rocket boosters to propel their imaginations. Less obvious but no less numerous, are the musicians who’ve drawn on Bradbury’s work to fuel songs and concept albums.

Like the space travelers invited to play “white xylophones” — the ribcages of dead Martians — during “The Martian Chronicles,” musicians can’t resist cosmic inspiration. The list of works below inspired

“Rocket Man”

Elton John and Bernie Taupin

Based on the short story “The Rocket Man,” John and Taupin’s 1972 classic features thematic elements that the writer addressed throughout his work, including the ways in which humans react to the isolation of space travel.

“The Veldt”

Deadmau5

Canadian mouse-helmeted beatmaker Deadmau5 named his recent single “The Veldt” after Bradbury’s short story. A bouncing, four-on-the-floor electrohouse ditty, the track describes a world in which technology has so consumed culture that the world outside has virtually vanished. The song’s chorus co-opts Bradbury’s original title of the story when first published in 1961, “The World the Children Made.”

“Interstellar” album

Frankie Rose

New York singer Frankie Rose’s album was inspired by Bradbury, whose work defined science fiction and the futuristic ideals of Los Angeles. “A lot of the songs are inspired by old Ray Bradbury sci-fi stories,” Rose told Spinner.com in April. “Nobody knows because it’s not obvious. It’s definitely tracked in a certain order. It was planned in

my mind that way.”

“The Mission”

Royal Hunt

“We are on a mission right now to save rock and roll!,” screams lead singer John West during this live version of the title track to Royal Hunt’s 1999 release, “The Mission,” a concept album based on “The Martian Chronicles.” The release’s 13 tracks follow the narrative, with the Danish metal band pounding out fast guitar rock and West belting ridiculous lyrics like, “We gave this pain to the world which we can’t understand/ Blood disappears like the raindrops when hitting the sand.”

“The Cult of Ray” album

Frank Black

In 2005, the Pixies’ lead singer, Frank Black, wrote about the experience of interviewing Bradbury for the magazine Alternative Press. In the introduction, Black spoke of the writer’s influence on his music. “When my high school English teacher said I could write short stories instead of doing homework, Ray Bradbury was my main source of inspiration. Years later I would absorb what Ray had to say at personal appearances he made at libraries and gymnasiums. I named a record after him [1996’s ‘The Cult of Ray’] and squeezed as much of him as I could into my own work.”

“... Me, Ray Bradbury”

Rachel Bloom

This not-safe-for-work song by L.A.-based comedian Rachel Bloom captures the essence of many Bradbury fanatics’ feelings toward his output. She’s shockingly direct — and very funny.