Journey's co-founding member George Tickner has died, his former bandmate confirmed in a statement online. He was 76.
Neal Schon revealed in a Facebook post that Tickner, who served as the co-founding rhythm guitarist and songwriter of the legendary classic band, has passed away. He wrote that Tickner's "Of a Lifetime" track with the band remains one of his favorite songs, before adding two screenshots of tribute messages for the late musician.
"Godspeed, George," one of the photos read. "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."
His official Twitter page also shared a tribute video for Tickner alongside the caption, "RIP George you now fly with the Angels."
George Tickner's Cause of Death
Schon's post did not disclose George Tickner's cause of death. The media outlets that reported his passing also did not offer further details about the saddening event or if the rhythm guitarist's family would hold a funeral or memorial service soon.
Tickner started his music career as a member of the San Francisco-based band Frumious Bandersnatch, which his Journey co-founder Ross Valory also became a part of. He also joined Faun and collaborated with Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders' band before.
The late Journey manager Herbie Herbert soon discovered him when he was still playing with his other band and brought him into Journey ahead of the band's debut. Tickner ultimately became the co-founding member alongside Valory, Gregg Rolie, and Prairie Prince.
Throughout his short-lived stay with the band, the rhythm guitarist was able to play in three albums and co-write some of the tracks. The albums included "Journey," "Look Into the Future," and "Next," before he left the music industry for good.
After leaving Journey, Tickner earned praise from Rolie as his fellow co-founder found uniqueness in his composition.
"He came up with chordings I have never heard," Rolie said in Journey's Time3 box set's liner notes. "He had these massive hands, and he would de-tune his strings and come up with these voicings that nobody else could."
George Tickner's Life After Journey
Although Tickner left Journey and his career as a musician, he co-founded a recording studio called The Hive and had a project with Valory and Stevie "Keys" Roseman afterward.
He also joined Journey's 2005 reunion during the band's appearance at the Hollywood Walk of Fame induction ceremony.
Outside the music industry, Tickner pursued a Ph.D. at Stanford University Medical School.
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