George Tickner, the co-founder and original guitarist of the rock band Journey has passed away. He was 76. The musician’s former bandmate Neal Schon announced the news of his demise on Tuesday. The cause of his death has not been revealed yet.
Tickner played with Journey for more than a year, before choosing to leave the band to attend Stanford Medical School. The band went on to be highly successful in the 1980s went on to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2005. Read on to know more about Tickner’s life and career.
Journey’s Original Guitarist George Tickner Passes Away at 76
Neal Schon, Journey’s lead guitarist, took to Facebook to share the news of Tickner’s death. He shared a black-and-white picture of the band and wrote, “Journey Junkies, I have some very sad news. George Tickner, Journey’s original rhythm guitarist and songwriting contributor on their first three albums, has passed away. He was 76 years old.”
“Godspeed, George… thank you for the music. We will be paying tribute to you on this page indefinitely. Our condolences to his family and friends, and to all past and present band members. So heartbreaking…I think we need to do a group hug, JJ’s,” he added.
Schon also revealed the reason behind Tickner’s early departure from the band and wrote, “Thank you for your incomparable contributions to Journey’s early years. The reason he left Journey was to attend Stanford University on full Scholarship, earning his PhD. Fly free above the stars, Sir…Herbie’s waiting to greet you.” he wrote.
Tickner Co-Founded Journey in 1973
George Tickner co-founded the rock band Journey along with Schon, Gregg Rolie, and Herbie Herbert in February 1973. The band released their debut album in 1975, after which Tickner decided to depart and Schon took over as the lead guitarist. However, his songs continued to be a part of the band’s albums for a few more years.
Some of TIckner’s most famous songs for the band include Topaz, Of a Lifetime, and Mystery Mountain. After attending Stanford Medical School, the guitarist continued to pursue his music career and released the album Cinema with Ross Valory and Stevie Roseman. The same year, he reunited with Journey for receiving the Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
Tributes Pour In on Social Media
A number of fans and admirers of Tickner’s work mourned his death on social media. “RIP Mr George Tickner Thank You For Of A Life Time That Album Was The First I Was Introduced To Early Journey “BRILLIANT” Thank You !!” wrote a fan.
“You have so many Precious Musicians with You over the years. Condolences to George’s and the Journey Family. Love the music you have all done Together…and thankful for Georges Contributions. RIP George. He will be missed badly,” penned a fan.
Another commented, “Of A Lifetime is one of the best Journey songs hands down. What a great story George Tickner was. He was going to be a success no matter what he did.” A fan also wrote, “Oh man. How sad, so instrumental on the beginning foundation of Journey…rest in peace and prayers.”
Our condolences to George Tickner’s family and friends. May his soul rest in peace!
