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George Tickner, original guitarist and co-founder of Journey, dies at 76

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Journey is mourning the loss of one of its original members. Guitarist George Tickner, who co-founded the rock band in 1973, has died. He was 76.

Lead guitarist Neal Schon announced his bandmate’s death Tuesday on Facebook. Schon, 69, said Tickner “will be missed immensely!”

“George ... thank you for the music. We will be paying tribute to you on this page indefinitely,” Schon said in his Facebook tribute post . “Our condolences to his family and friends, and to all the past and present band members. So heartbreaking..I think we need to do a group hug.”

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Tickner, who was born in New York on Sept. 8, 1946, was a former rocker with the San Francisco band Frumious Bandersnatch with bassist Ross Valory. In 1973, Tickner and Valory formed Journey with Schon and drummer Prairie Prince.

Shortly after Journey released its debut album, “Journey,” in April 1975, Tickner departed the group to “attend Stanford University on full scholarship” to pursue a medical degree, according to Schon.

Tickner continued to pursue music after his Journey days, establishing the Hive recording studio with Valory. Tickner, Valory and keyboardist Stevie “Keys” Roseman also created the band VTR and released its sole album, “Cinema,” in 2005.

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Schon did not reveal additional details about Tickner’s death, including a cause or survivors. He did remember his late bandmate Wednesday with music.

“Some smooth Strat to EZzzzzzz your soul. Prayers for George,” Schon captioned an Instagram video of himself playing guitar to a slow song. The official Journey Instagram account reposted Schon’s video to its story on Thursday.

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Journey co-founder George Tickner dies at 76, band member says

George Tickner, co-founder and original rhythm guitarist of the rock band Journey, has died at age 76, band member Neal Schon said in a Facebook post .

Schon, a fellow Journey co-founder and the band's lead guitarist, announced Tickner's death July 4, praising the musician for his "incomparable contributions" to the band in a statement on Facebook.

"Godspeed, George... thank you for the music," Schon wrote in the post. "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."

A representative for Journey did not immediately respond to TODAY.com's request for comment.

Tickner, Schon, keyboardist and vocalist Gregg Rolie, bassist Ross Valory and drummer Prairie Prince founded Journey in the early 1970s. Tickner and Valory were both previously in the band Frumious Bandersnatch, which was based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

"Journey," the band's eponymous first album, was released in 1975 and was the only album to include Tickner in the lineup. Before leaving Journey to attend Stanford University, Tickner contributed to writing songs for the band's next two albums, "Look into the Future" and "Next."

“He came up with chordings I have never heard,” Rolie said in the liner notes of Journey’s Time3 box set, Music Times reported . “He had these massive hands, and he would de-tune his strings and come up with these voicings that nobody else could.”

Journey would eventually go on to become one of the most prominent rock bands of the 1980s, earning over 100 million record sales globally. According to Journey's website , the band's 1981 song "Don't Stop Believin'" is the most downloaded song of the 20th century.

After leaving Journey, Tickner stayed close to the music industry and co-founded a recording studio with Valory called The Hive, according to Variety.

Tickner was present for Journey's induction ceremony into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005, where he reunited with Schon and Valory, as well as Journey members who succeeded him, including lead singer Steve Perry.

Schon again paid tribute to Tickner after his death in an Instagram post July 6.

"Prayers for George, farewell old friend," he wrote in the caption.

Tickner’s cause of death was not immediately clear.

Esther Sun is an intern for TODAY.com. She loves café-hopping and watching cooking TikToks she knows she will never try.

George Tickner, Founding Guitarist of Journey, Dies at 76

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George Tickner , co-founder and original rhythm guitarist of Journey , has died. He was 76.

Neal Schon, the co-founding lead guitarist of the Grammy-nominated rock band, announce d the news on Facebook , writing, “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 added, “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.”

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Due to the band’s heavy touring schedule, Tickner departed from Journey following the record release to pursue a career in medicine, attending Stanford Medical School on a full scholarship. Journey would go on to become one of the world’s bestselling rock bands, with timeless hits like “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Any Way You Want It,” and 25 gold and platinum albums and a 15-time platinum RIAA Diamond Certified greatest hits compilation.

Tickner stayed in contact with the band, later founding a recording studio called The Hive with Valory, where they recorded music with past and present members of Journey including Schon, the only original member still in the band.

In 2005, Tickner reunited with Journey as the band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Journey co-founder George Tickner dies: 'Fly free above the stars'

George Tickner, the co-founder of Journey , has died. He was 76.

"Journey Junkies, I have some very sad news. GEORGE TICKNER, Journey's original rhythm guitarist and songwriter contributor on their first three albums, has passed away. He was 76 years old" Neal Schon , Journey co-founder, wrote on Facebook Wednesday.

"Rest peacefully. Dr. George Tickner ... you will be missed immensely!" Schon wrote. "Thank you for your incomparable contributions to Journey's early years."

Tickner's career with the band known for hits including "Don't Stop Believin'," "Faithfully" and "Separate Ways," was short-lived. His work with the group spawned more of a jazz-prog-rock vibe on their eponymous 1975 album rather than the signature anthemic rock sound Journey would become known for after Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry joined a few years later.

"The reason he left Journey was to attend Stanford University on full scholarship, earning his PhD. Fly free above the stars, Sir," Schon wrote.

"Dear George, 'Of a Lifetime' is still one of my favorite songs ever," Schon captioned his post. "RIP brother God Speed."

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USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for Schon for additional comment.

Although Tickner left the group, in its early days, he didn't leave the music industry entirely.

He also co-founded a recording studio with Journey bassist Ross Valory called the Hive and was in the band VTR with Valory and Stevie "Keys" Roseman (who also had a stint with Journey) as well, according to Ultimate Classic Rock .

Tickner joined Journey during a 2005 reunion for its Hollywood Walk of Fame induction, per Ultimate Classic Rock.

Contributing: Melissa Ruggieri

George Tickner, Journey’s original rhythm guitarist, dies at 76

The former Journey and Frumious Bandersnatch man contributed to the former group’s first three albums

Former Journey rhythm guitarist George Tickner has passed away at the age of 76, according to a Facebook post from the band's long-tenured guitarist, Neal Schon .

“Journey Junkies, I have some very sad news,” wrote Schon. “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!”

Journey formed in San Francisco in 1973 following an amalgamation of members from two acts: namely, lead guitarist Schon and keyboardist/vocalist Gregg Rolie, who had both played in Santana; and rhythm guitarist Tickner and bassist Ross Valory of the psych-rock band, Frumious Bandersnatch. 

The band’s combined experience and contacts – not least, the patronage of Santana manager Herbie Herbert – saw them quickly perform to large crowds at early shows. 

Indeed, their first gig was to an audience of 10,000 at San Francisco’s famed Winterland Ballroom. That was quickly follow by a Hawaii festival performance to a 100,000-strong crowd.

Tickner played with the group from the outset and, following their signing with Columbia, helped to write and record the band’s 1975 self-titled debut album. Among his writing credits on that album are the songs Topaz , Mystery Mountain and the album’s expansive opening statement, Of A Lifetime .

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Following the album’s release, the prospect of a heavy touring schedule and the opportunity to study medicine at Stanford on a full scholarship led Tickner to leave the group. 

Schon took over as the sole guitarist at that point, but Tickner remained involved in music in various forms. He contributed to the writing of Journey’s next two albums, 1976's Look Into The Future and 1977's Next , and later opened a studio, The Hive, which he co-founded with Valory. 

Various members of Journey recorded at the facility, and Tickner once again reunited with his former bandmates when they were awarded with a star on Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame in 2005 (pictured above).

Schon has also shared a six-string tribute to the departed Tickner on Twitter, writing simply: “Some late nite Strat blues. Prayers for George.”

Some late nite Strat blues. Prayers for George 🙏🏽✝️🙏🏽 @NealSchonMusic @JourneyOfficial pic.twitter.com/USp0W5hEmP July 6, 2023

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Matt is Features Editor for GuitarWorld.com. Before that he spent 10 years as a freelance music journalist, interviewing artists for the likes of Total Guitar , Guitarist , Guitar World , MusicRadar , NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound . In 2020, he launched  CreativeMoney.co.uk , which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.

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George Tickner, co-founder and rhythm guitarist of Journey, dies at 76

The musician co-wrote several songs on the band's first three albums before departing to get his Ph.D at Stanford University.

Emlyn Travis is a news writer at  Entertainment Weekly  with over five years of experience covering the latest in entertainment. A proud Kingston University alum, Emlyn has written about music, fandom, film, television, and awards for multiple outlets including MTV News,  Teen Vogue , Bustle, BuzzFeed,  Paper Magazine , Dazed, and NME. She joined EW in August 2022.

George Tickner, a co-founding member and the original rhythm guitarist of Journey , has died. He was 76.

His former bandmate Neal Schon announced the musician's death in an Instagram video that featured him playing guitar in Tickner's honor on Thursday. "Some smooth Strat to EZzzzzzz your soul. Prayers for George," he captioned the post. "Farewell old friend." The video was reposted in a story on Journey's official Instagram account later that day.

Schon also paid tribute to Tickner's legacy in a poignant Facebook statement. "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 wrote. "Godspeed, George… Thank you for the music."

Alongside a separate image, Schon added, "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 a full scholarship, earning his Ph.D. Fly free above the stars, sir… Herbie's waiting to greet you."

Representatives for Journey did not immediately respond to EW's request for more information.

Tickner founded Journey alongside Schon, Prairie Prince, Gregg Rolie, and Ross Valory (he had previously played with the latter in the psychedelic band Frumious Bandersnatch) in February 1973. The San Francisco band held their first-ever public performance at the city's historic Winterland Ballroom on New Year's Eve that year and would go on to dominate the airwaves with hits like "Don't Stop Believin'," "Separate Ways," and "Faithfully."

In addition to serving as Journey's rhythm guitarist, Tickner co-wrote and composed several songs on their first three albums, including "Of a Lifetime," "Topaz," "Mystery Mountain," "You're on Your Own," and "I'm Gonna Leave You."

Although he left the group to study medicine, Tickner remained in close contact with his former bandmates. He and Valory co-founded a recording studio called The Hive and performed together, alongside fellow Journey alum Stevie 'Keys' Roseman, in the band VTR. They released an album, Cinema , in 2005.

Tickner later reunited with Journey when the band received its star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.

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George Tickner, Founding Member of Journey, Dead at 76

George Tickner, a founding member of the rock group Journey, has died at 76. He was the original rhythm guitarist and co-wrote several Journey songs. “Journey Junkies, I have some very sad news,” Neal Schon , Journey’s lead guitarist, wrote on social media . “Journey’s original rhythm guitarist and songwriting contributor on their first three albums has passed away.” He added, “Our condolences to his family and friends, and to all past and present band members. So heartbreaking.” In another slide, Schon said, speaking to Tickner, “Thank you for your incomparable contributions to Journey’s early years.” Tickner was a performer on the first Journey album, Journey , and has songwriting credits on the next two, Look into the Future and Next .

Tickner began his music career as a member of the band Frumious Bandersnatch, named after the Lewis Carroll poem “The Jabberwocky.” He then formed Journey in 1973 with fellow Frumious Bandersnatch member bassist Ross Valory, alongside lead guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist and vocalist Gregg Rolie, and drummer Prairie Prince, though Prince was never on record as he quit the band a few months in. The four, along with new drummer Aynsley Dunbar, put out their first record, Journey , in 1975. Tickner left the band shortly thereafter for medical school, attending Stanford University on a full ride. He was still involved in the music industry while working as a doctor, co-founding a recording studio with Valory called the Hive. He reunited with the band in 2005 when Journey received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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George Tickner, Journey Co-Founding Guitarist and Songwriter, Dead at 76

The musician left the band after its third album to attend Stanford University.

George Tickner has died. Tickner's death was announced by his former bandmate, Journey's co-founder and lead guitarist Neal Schon, on Facebook July 4. Tickner, the band's original rhythm guitarist, was 76. A cause of death was not immediately available.

"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. "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," he continued. "So heartbreaking. I think we need to do a group hug, JJ's!"

Schon added, "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," Schon concluded of Herbie Herbert, the music manager that formed Journey, who died in 2021.

Tickner founded Journey with Schon, Gregg Rolle, Ross Valory and Prairie Prince, the latter of whom was quickly replaced with Aynsley Dunbar. 

Tickner played on the band's 1975 self-titled debut album, and was credited with writing songs on Journey's next two releases, Look Into The Future  and Next . During his tenure, Tickner co-wrote "Of a Lifetime," which Schon called "one of my favorite songs ever."

Journey had its big break when singer Steve Perry joined the group for its 1978 album,  Infinity , after Tickner's departure from the band. Even so, Tickner was on hand when the band got its star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.

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Former Journey Guitarist + Co-Founder George Tickner Dead at 76

One of the key members of Journey 's early days, rhythm guitarist George Tickner, has died at the age of 76.

The news was delivered by Journey's lone remaining original member, guitarist Neal Schon , who commented, "RIP George, you now fly with the angels," while also sharing a Journey News video on the passing of Tickner, as seen below.

Prior to Journey, Tickner performed with Faun on their 1972 self-titled set and was part of the band Frumious Bandersnatch that also included future Journey bassist Ross Valory. In 1973, he was also played as part of the band on a Jerry Garcia / Mel Saunders collaborative project. It was during 1973 that Tickner and Valory would join Santana's Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie and The Tubes' Prairie Prince in the initial Journey lineup, playing their first public performance at the Winterland Ballroom on New Year's Eve 1973.

Tickner's tenure was brief, as he left the band after the release of their debut album allowing Schon to take on all guitar duties, but his imprint on the band would actually be felt in the group's first three records. He received writing or co-writing credits on "Of a Lifetime," "Topaz" and "Mystery Mountain" off their 1975 debut, "You're on Your Own" and "I'm Gonna Leave You" off the Look Into the Future album and "Nickel and Dime" off of Next .

After leaving the band, Tickner pursued a career in medicine, attending Stanford Medical School on a full scholarship. Tickner didn't leave music totally behind however, creating The Hive recording studio with Valory. He would also partner with Valory and keyboardist Stevie "Keys" Roseman to form the band VTR, releasing their lone album Cinema in 2005. That same year, Tickner would reunite with several of his Journey bandmates as they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Revisit some of Tichner's work below.

Journey, "Topaz"

Journey, "of a lifetime", journey, "mystery mountain", rockers we've lost in 2023, more from loudwire.

George Tickner, Journey Cofounder and Rhythm Guitarist, Dies at 76

“Godspeed, George… Thank you for the music,” Neal Schon, another of the rock band’s cofounders and lead guitarist, says

George Tickner, Journey’s cofounding rhythm guitarist and songwriter, has died. He was 76. Neal Schon, another of the rock band’s cofounders and lead guitarist confirmed the news Tuesday  on Facebook .

“Journey Junkies, I have some very sad news,” Schon wrote. “George Tickner, Journey’s original rhythm guitarist and songwriting contributor on their first three albums, has passed away.”

He added, “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.

Tickner played in psychedelic rock band Frumious Bandersnatch before cofounding Journey in 1973 San Francisco with Schon, Ross Valory and Gregg Rolie. Tickner only officially played on the band’s 1975 album “Journey” before leaving to pursue a medical degree at Stanford University on full scholarship. He is credited with writing songs on “Journey,” “Look Into the Future” and “Next.”

Schon captioned his post, “‘Of a Lifetime’ is still one of my favorite songs ever. RIP brother God Speed.” 

Journey’s breakthrough happened with the release of the 1978 album “Infinity,” on which singer Steve Perry sang after he arrived in 1977. “Infinity” contained hit songs “Wheel In The Sky” and “Lights.” 

Santana manager Herbie Herbert formed Journey, which originally included Schon, Tickner, keyboard player and vocalist Gregg Rolie, bassist Ross Valory and, briefly, drummer Prairie Prince, who rejoined his previous band The Tubes after just a month with Journey. Prince was replaced by David Bowie drummer Aynsley Dunbar.

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Journey Co-Founder George Tickner Dies at 76

Co-founding Journey rhythm guitarist George Tickner has died at 76, according to former bandmate Neal Schon . Brought in by the late Journey manager Herbie Herbert, Tickner played an important role in their first three albums before leaving to pursue his Ph.D. at Stanford University Medical School.

"Rest peacefully, Dr. George Tickner. You will be missed immensely," Schon posted on Facebook . "Herbie's waiting to greet you."

Born on Sept. 8, 1946, Tickner was discovered by Herbert while still in Frumious Bandersnatch, a Berkeley, Calif.-based group that gave Herbert important early experience as a road manager. They made a small local splash, appearing at some of the Bay Area's biggest venues – including a February 1967 opening gig for Canned Heat and the Mothers of Invention at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. They also produced a self-released three-song EP.

Still, Frumious Bandersnatch's main claim to fame was producing players who went on to bigger things. Later-era bassist Ross Valory followed three other former members of Frumious into Steve Miller 's band before joining Tickner in Journey's original lineup. By then, Tickner had already sat in with San Francisco legends Jerry Garcia and Merle Saunders.

Tickner brought along an approach on the guitar that was far different than Carlos Santana , whom Schon and fellow co-founder Gregg Rolie had previously worked with for years. "He came up with chordings I have never heard," Rolie said in the liner notes for Journey's Time3 box set. "He had these massive hands, and he would de-tune his strings and come up with these voicings that nobody else could."

He wrote or co-wrote three of the seven songs from Journey's self-titled 1975 debut , including its titanic opener "Of a Lifetime," but quickly grew restless. Tickner left before the arrival of 1976's Look Into the Future but the LP featured two more co-writes, "You're on Your Own" and "I'm Gonna Leave You." His final Journey songwriting contribution became "Nickel and Dime" from 1977's Next .

Even though he was largely out of the spotlight afterward, Tickner didn't leave the music business entirely. He co-founded a recording studio with Valory called the Hive and was in the one-off band VTR with Valory and Stevie "Keys" Roseman, who'd earlier appeared on Journey's 1981 Top 40 hit "The Party's Over (Hopelessly in Love)." Tickner also took part in Journey's 2005 reunion at the Hollywood Walk of Fame induction ceremony . A cause of death was not immediately reported.

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Gallery Credit: Allison Rapp

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George Tickner Dies: Journey Co-Founding Guitarist & Songwriter Was 76

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George Tickner , the original rhythm guitarist for classic rock band Journey who left in 1975 to pursue a medical degree several years before the group’s breakthrough single “Wheel In The Sky,” has died. He was 76.

His death was announced by Journey co-founder and lead guitarist Neal Schon . A cause of death was not disclosed.

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The band’s big breakthrough came with the arrival in 1977 of singer Steve Perry and the 1978 album Infinity , which included the hits “Wheel In The Sky” and “Lights.”

Journey’s self-titled debut album, released two years after the band’s founding, included the song “Of a Lifetime,” co-written by Tickner and described by Schon in his Facebook tribute as “still one of my favorite songs ever.”

Formed by Santana manager Herbie Herbert, the group that would soon become Journey originally included Schon, Tickner, keyboard player and vocalist Gregg Rolle, bassist Ross Valory and, briefly, drummer Prairie Prince, who rejoined his previous band The Tubes after just a month with Journey; he was replaced with David Bowie drummer Aynsley Dunbar.

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George Tickner, First Rhythm Guitarist For Journey, Dead At 76

Senior Reporter

Dr. George Tickner, a founding member and the original rhythm guitarist for the arena rock band Journey, has died at age 76.

Former bandmate Neal Schon confirmed Tickner’s death in a Facebook tribute on Thursday. He offered no details about the cause.

“Rest peacefully, Dr. George Tickner. you will be missed immensely! Thank you for your incomparable contributions to Journey’s early years,” Schon wrote.

Tickner was the rock group’s first rhythm guitarist, joining the band in the early ’70s when it was assembled by Santana manager Herbie Herbert. Tickner left Journey before the group made it big, quitting in 1975 to pursue his medical degree after receiving a full scholarship to Stanford University.

Tickner was still with Journey for its 1975 self-titled debut. After leaving the group, he was credited as a songwriter on the subsequent albums “Look Into The Future” (1976) and “Next” (1977).

Journey found major fame after the addition of vocalist Steve Perry in 1977. The band’s first album with the singer, 1978′s “Infinity,” included their early hits “Wheel In The Sky” and “Lights.”

During Journey’s first years, the band included Schon, Tickner, keyboard player and vocalist Gregg Rolle, bassist Ross Valory and drummer Prairie Prince. Prince was later replaced by David Bowie drummer Aynsley Dunbar.

The band’s current lineup includes Schon, Jonathan Cain, Deen Castronovo, Arnel Pineda, Jason Derlatka and Todd Jensen.

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George Tickner, the co-founder and original guitarist for Journey, has died at the age of 76.

News of Tickner’s death was confirmed by co-founding member Neal Schon on social media.

No cause of death has been given at this time.

“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, 69, wrote on Facebook Thursday.

“Godspeed, George… thank you for the music. We will 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 think we need to do a group 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 Greatest Hits ” is  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.

At the start, Tickner was a major contributor and the original bass guitarist before eventually focusing on just the guitar.

Gregg Rolie and The Tubes’ Prairie Prince were also there for the forming of the band, with its first performance taking place on New Year’s Eve that year.

Prior to founding Journey, Tickner was a member of the psychedelic rock band Frumious Bandersnatch with his pal and co-member Valory.

Journey headed out on the road on their US “Freedom Tour” at the start of this year, and were supported by Toto.

The band’s current lineup features Schon as lead guitarist, Jonathan Cain   on the keyboard, Arnel Pineda as the lead vocalist, Jason Derlatka on the keyboard, Deen Castronovo on drums, and Todd Jensen as the bassist.

Tickner left Journey following the release of its eponymous debut album in 1975 to pursue a career 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.

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Founding Journey Guitarist George Tickner — Who Left Band to Become a Doctor — Dead at 76

Bandmember Neal Schon posted on social media: "George…thank you for the music"

Johnson/Mediapunch/Shutterstock

George Tickner, rhythm guitarist and co-founder of rock band Journey, is dead at 76, his former bandmate announced Wednesday.

Guitarist and vocalist Neal Schon shared the news in a Facebook post alongside photos of Tickner, writing, “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,” he continued. “So heartbreaking. So heartbreaking. I think we need to do a group hug, JJ’s! 😭🙏😢🎸💔🎶🕊️”

Gems/Redferns

Schon added that “‘Of a Lifetime’ is still one of my favorite songs ever.”

“Rest peacefully, Dr. George Tickner,” Schon wrote. “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.” 

Concluding the post with a reference to Journey band manager Herbie Herbert, Schon said, “Herbie's waiting to greet you.” 

A cause of death was not shared.

Tickner, born in Syracuse, New York on Sept. 8, 1946, began his music career with Frumious Bandersnatch — a band that gained popularity in the San Francisco Bay area — playing at a festival called The Fantastic Flight of The Mystic Balloon in Lafayette on July 22, 1967, according to SK POP.

In 1973, Tickner and Valory teamed up with Santana alumni Gregg Rolie, bassist Ross Valory and drummer Prairie Prince — along with Schon — to form Journey. 

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On New Year’s Eve, they played their first public show to a crowd of 10,000 at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, Variety reported.

The progressive rock band would later evolve into one of the most successful pop-rock acts of the '80s. 

Tickner contributed as a cowriter and musician to the band’s self-titled debut album in 1975 — which charted at No. 138 — as well as their second and third albums, Look Into the Future and Next , with 25 gold and platinum albums, a 15-time platinum RIAA Diamond Certified greatest hits compilation and classic hits like “Don’t Stop Believin'" and “Any Way You Want It” in its path, per Variety .

Tickner left the band in 1977 to pursue a career in medicine — earning a Ph.D. at Stanford Medical School — and built a recording studio called the Hive with Valory, according to Ultimate Classic Rock .

"He came up with chordings I have never heard," Rolie said in Journey's Time3 box set's liner notes, according to Music Times . "He had these massive hands, and he would de-tune his strings and come up with these voicings that nobody else could."

In 2005, Tickner reunited with Journey for their induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Frank Trapper/Getty

George Tickner, the guitarist who co-founded the band Journey and then left after two years to become a doctor, has died at the age of 76. Neil Schon announced his death on Facebook, writing, “Godspeed, George… thank you for the music.” Tickner was with Journey at its inception in 1973, following a stint with the band Frumious Bandersnatch, and had songwriting credits on three albums. No cause of death was released.

Co-founding Journey guitarist George Tickner, born in Syracuse, dies at 76

• Updated: Jul. 07, 2023, 8:48 a.m. |
• Published: Jul. 07, 2023, 7:09 a.m.

L-R: Journey band members Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, Neal Schon, George Tickner and Aynsley Dunbar appear in a photo circa 1975. (Photo by Gems/Redferns via Getty Images)

• Geoff Herbert | [email protected]

George Tickner, a Syracuse-born guitarist who was a co-founding member of the rock band Journey , is dead at age 76.

“Rest peacefully, Dr. George Tickner,” Journey guitarist Neal Schon wrote on Facebook . “You will be missed immensely.”

A cause of death has not been named for Tickner, whose death was announced on the 4th of July holiday Tuesday.

According to American Songwriter , Tickner was born Sept. 8, 1946, in Syracuse, N.Y. He performed with the California-based psychedelic rock band Frumious Bandersnatch in the 1960s before forming Journey in 1973 with bandmate Ross Valory, former Santana members Schon and Gregg Rolie, and drummer Prairie Prince.

Tickner performed rhythm guitar and backing vocals on the band’s first album in 1975, notably co-writing opening track “Of a Lifetime.” He’s also credited with writing other songs on the band’s first three albums, such as “Topaz,” “Mystery Mountain,” “You’re On Your Own,” “I’m Gonna Leave You” and “Nickel and Dime.”

“‘Of a Lifetime’ is still one of my favorite songs ever,” Schon wrote on Facebook.

Schon, the only constant original member of Journey, said Tickner left the band to pursue his doctorate at Stanford University Medical School on a full scholarship. Vocalist Steve Perry soon joined the group, which began rising to fame with Journey’s biggest hits including “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways,” “Faithfully” and “Don’t Stop Believin’” over the following decade.

“Thank you for your incomparable contributions to Journey’s early years,” Schon wrote of Tickner. “Fly free above the stars, Sir... Herbie’s waiting to greet you.”

Journey’s longtime manager, Herbie Herbert, died in 2021.

(L-R) Rock group Journey bandmembers Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, George Tickner, Neal Schon, Aynsley Dunbar (rear), Robert Fleischman, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith (beret) at their star ceremony where they were honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Photo by Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images) Corbis via Getty Images

Journey was originally called Golden Gate Rhythm Section, but changed its name after John Villanueva , a Camillus resident who was a drum technician for Santana at Woodstock , suggested the name “Space Journey” due to interest in space travel after astronauts landed on the moon. Villanueva, a longtime roadie for Journey and other bands, died in 2021.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle , Tickner still maintained an interest in music after leaving Journey. He opened a recording studio with Valory called the Hive and formed another band called VTR, releasing an album in 2005 that featured Schon, Prince and Steve Smith.

Also in 2005, Tickner reunited with past and present Journey members, including Perry, to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, but Tickner was not included.

Journey celebrated its 50th anniversary this year with a tour that included a Buffalo concert in March. The band’s current lineup includes Schon, Jonathan Cain, Arnel Pineda, Jason Derlatka, Deen Castronovo and Todd Jensen.

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• Jonathan Cain

George Tickner, Co-Founding Rhythm Guitarist of Journey, Dies at 76

by Tina Benitez-Eves July 5, 2023, 2:04 pm

Co-founding rhythm guitarist and early songwriter of Journey, George Tickner, has died. He was 76. His death was confirmed by Journey guitarist Neal Schon. No cause of death has been revealed.

Videos by American Songwriter

“Rest peacefully, Dr. George Tickner,” wrote his former bandmate, Journey guitarist Neal Schon on Facebook . “You will be missed immensely.”

Referencing Journey’s longtime manager the late Herbie Herbert, who died in 2021, Schon added, “Herbie’s waiting to greet you.” Schon also shared a YouTube video confirming Tickner’s death, along with a Twitter post . “RIP George,” added Schon. “You now fly with the angels.”

Born on Sept. 8, 1946, in Syracuse, New York, Tickner played an important role in Journey’s first three albums. On the band’s eponymous debut in 1975, Tickner co-wrote the opening track “Of a Lifetime,” along with the instrumental “Topaz,” and closing song “Mystery Mountain.”

RIP George you now fly with the Angels 🙏🏽✝️🙏🏽 https://t.co/jOug74sJxD — NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) July 5, 2023

Tickner also wrote “You’re On Your Own” and “I’m Gonna Leave You” on Journey’s second album, Look Into The Future , in 1976 along with the instrumental “Nickel and Dime” on their 1977 album, Next , before leaving the band to pursue his Ph.D. in medicine at Stanford University Medical School on a full scholarship.

Following Tickner’s departure, Schon took over all of the band’s guitar duties, until Jonathan Cain joined in 1981.

While working as a doctor, Tickner continued to work in music and co-founded the recording studio, The Hive, with original Journey bassist Ross Valory. In 2005, he also reunited with past and present Journey band members to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Along with Valory and former Journey session keyboardist Stevie ‘Keys’ Roseman, Tickner also formed the band VTR. The band released the album  Cinema , featuring past and present Journey members, including Schon, Prairie Prince, and Steve Smith in 2005.

Photo by Gems/Redferns

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George Tickner, Journey co-founder and rhythm guitarist, dead at 76

George Tickner, the original rhythm guitarist and a co-founder of Journey , has died. He was 76.

Bandmate and friend Neal Schon announced the news Wednesday. Tickner’s cause of death was not immediately reported.

“Rest peacefully, Dr. George Tickner… you will be missed immensely!” Schon wrote. “Thank you for your incomparable contributions to Journey’s early years.”

Tickner played guitar and wrote songs for Journey’s self-titled debut album in 1975. He also received songwriting credits on the band’s second and third albums, but did not perform on them.

After a grueling first tour to promote the initial album, Tickner left the group but remained friendly with his old pals, allowing the remaining members to use some of his lyrics and melodies on their subsequent albums.

Tickner departed to pursue a doctorate at Stanford and eventually earned his Ph.D., according to Schon.

“Godspeed, George… thank you for the music,” Schon wrote on Facebook. “We will be paying tribute to you on this page indefinitely.”

Born Sept. 8, 1946, in Syracuse, Tickner moved across the country to become part of Northern California’s rock ‘n’ roll scene in the early 1960s.

He initially joined psych-rock group Frumious Bandersnatch, but the band split in 1969. Tickner and fellow member Ross Valory joined with Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie to form Journey in 1973.

Tickner was referred to as “the strongest songwriter of the group at the time,” according to British rock journalist Neil Daniels.

But evidently the road was not for Tickner, as Journey was playing nearly nonstop from 1973 through 1975. Tickner left the group before Steve Perry joined as the lead vocalist and Journey soared to massive commercial success. “Any Way You Want It,” “Open Arms” and “Don’t Stop Believin'” all came after Tickner’s tenure in the band.

Tickner remained in touch with his former bandmates, eventually launching a recording studio alongside Valory, which hosted later Journey sessions. In 2005, when the group was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Tickner was in attendance.

“RIP George,” Schon wrote on Twitter. “You now fly with the Angels.”

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