LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: George Tyndall Tickner, the original rhythm guitarist and co-founder of the iconic '80s rock band Journey has tragically breathed his last at the age of 76. The news was first shared by the band's lead guitarist and co-founding member Neal Schon, 69, on Facebook.
"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," Schon wrote on the social media platform along with a black-and-white photo of the band. "Godspeed, George… thank you for the music. We will be paying tribute to you on this page indefinitely." Schon concluded by writing, "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."
Why did George Tickner leave Journey?
Schon also shared another photo of Tickner holding a plaque of the Hollywood Walk of Fame star and detailed the reason why he left the band Journey. "Rest peacefully, Dr George Tickner..you will be missed immensely! 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."
How did George Tickner die?
Tickener's cause of death has not yet been disclosed and it comes after the legendary band celebrated its 50th anniversary in April. The rock band was formed in February 1973 in San Francisco by Tickner, Schon, Gregg Rolie and Herbie Herbert. Their first public performance was to an audience of 10,000 at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom on New Year’s Eve later that year.
Tickner stayed in contact with the band
Tickner stayed in contact with the band and later founded a recording studio called The Hive with Valory, where they recorded music with past and present members of Journey which included Schon, the only original member still in the band.
The rock band which has sold over 100 million albums, has charted on the Billboard Hot 100 with 25 of their hit songs, "Don’t Stop Believin’," "Open Arms," "Who’s Crying Now" and "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart). Schon, Cain, Deen Castronovo, Arnel Pineda, Jason Derlatka and Todd Jensen are the current members of the band.
'His name will always be remembered'
Facebook users also paid tribute to George Tickner. One fan commented, "So sorry Neal and Journey for your loss of George. May he fly high with the Angels. R.I.P George." Another fan wrote, "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 !!" "Love all the early Journey songs with George on the first album. Such a vibe you all created...Of A Lifetime is my fave too, Neal. Rest in peace George Tickner" wrote one user while another penned, "Sad loss! His name will always be remembered to the Journey family." "Rest In Peace. Of a lifetime was and still is my favorite journey song", said one fan.
