George Tickner, the co-founder and original guitarist for Journey, has died on the age of 76.
News of Tickner’s death was confirmed by co-founding member Neal Schon on social media. No explanation for death has been given right now.
“Journey Junkies, I actually 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,” Schon, 69, wrote on Facebook Thursday.
“Godspeed, George… thanks for the music. We can be paying tribute to you on this page indefinitely.”
He continued, “Our condolences to his family and friends, and to all past and present band members. So heartbreaking.. I believe we’d like to do a gaggle hug, JJ’s.”
The Grammy-nominated rock band has sold over 100 million albums — and the stadium anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’” has surpassed 1 billion Spotify streams. Twenty-five of Journey’s songs — including “Open Arms,” “Who’s Crying Now” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” — charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Journey’s Biggest Hits” is considered one of three albums ever to spend 600 weeks on the Billboard 200 — joining Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” and Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “Legend.”
Tickner, Santana’s Schon and bassist Ross Valory joined forces in San Francisco to form the band together back in 1973.
In the beginning, Tickner was a serious contributor and the unique bass guitarist before eventually specializing in just the guitar.
Gregg Rolie and The Tubes’ Prairie Prince were also there for the forming of the band, with its first performance happening on Latest 12 months’s Eve that yr.
Prior to founding Journey, Tickner was a member of psychedelic rock band Frumious Bandersnatch together with his pal and co-member Valory.
Journey headed out on the road on their US “Freedom Tour” in the beginning of this yr, and were supported by Toto.
The band’s current lineup features Schon as lead guitarist, Jonathan Cain on the keyboard, Arnel Pineda because the lead vocalist, Jason Derlatka on the keyboard, Deen Castronovo on drums, and Todd Jensen because the bassist.
Tickner left Journey following the discharge of its eponymous debut album in 1975 to pursue a profession in medicine.
He secured a full scholarship at Stanford Medical school, and was said to be writing music and performing as a hobby on the side.
In January 2005, he joined other members of the band to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.