In San Francisco back in 1973, George Tickner, Neal Schon, and Ross Valory formed the band Journey. Decades later, 25 of the band’s songs have made it on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, and in 2005, the band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Now, Schon is sharing that sad news that Tickner has died. He was 76 years old. A cause of death has yet to be released.
On Facebook, Schon 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.” He added, “Godspeed, George… thank you for the music. We will be paying tribute to you on this page indefinitely.” He concluded the post 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.”
RIP George you now fly with the Angels 🙏🏽✝️🙏🏽 https://t.co/jOug74sJxD
— NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) July 5, 2023
Journey’s co-founding guitarist, George Tickner, has died. 💔 #RIP https://t.co/wcOxqL1gzs
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 6, 2023
Upon hearing the news of Tickner’s death, many Journey fans tweeted out tributes and condolences.
Listing to the first Journey album right now in remembrance of him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends, and his band mates from this early years… you all made some amazing music together Sad and grateful 🙏😢 ❤️
— BeeWest2000❤️ 🎶🌻 (@Beewest2000) July 5, 2023
My goodness, very sad. RIP George. He was so influential on that absolutely amazing first Journey album. Of a Lifetime, yeah.
— David K (@Davidkuenstle) July 5, 2023
Despite Journey’s success, Tickner decided to leave the band to purse a completely different career field – medicine. He went to Stanford Medical School on a full scholarship and continued to play and write music as a hobby.
George Tickner, founding member of Journey, your rhythm-filled and riff-tactic nature lives on. Rest in eternal peace. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/gjG5xPNys9
— The Aquarian (@aquarianweekly) July 6, 2023
Learn more about Tickner’s life, career and death in the video below.
Rest in peace.