ORIGINAL guitarist and co-founder of Journey, George Tickner, has died at 76.
Neal Schon, another co-founding member of the iconic band behind the tune Don't Stop Believin', confirmed the news Thursday morning on Facebook.
“Journey Junkies, I have some very sad news," Schon wrote in a post.
"George Tickner, Journey’s original rhythm guitarist and songwriting contributor on their first three albums, has passed away."
"He was 76 years old," the lead guitarist and songwriter added.
Schon thanked Tickner for everything he contributed to Journey over the years and added a touching note about endless tributes for the guitarist.
“Godspeed, George… thank you for the music. We will be paying tribute to you on this page indefinitely,” he said.
"Our condolences to his family and friends, and to all past and present band members."
Schon continued: "So heartbreaking.. I think we need to do a group hug, JJ’s."
Journey first formed in San Francisco, California, in 1973 when Schon, who was originally with the band Santana, Tickner, and bassist Ross Valory came together, per the band's official website.
Most read in Celebrity
Taylor Swift back with Matt Healy as he mysteriously fires female crew member
'UK's Escobar' arrested at home of female prison warden he had affair with
Couple who won £32m jackpot have SPLIT & are sharing prize with new lovers
Coronation Street legend, 65, rushed to hospital after breaking her arm and foot
Tickner went from playing bass in Journey's early days to guitar.
He and Valory came from the psychedelic rock band Frumious Bandersnatch to join Journey, per the New York Post.
The band proceeded to release several rock hits, including Don't Stop Believin', which remains the band's most-played song on Spotify with over 1.5billion streams.
Journey also still has around 18.6million monthly listeners.
The rock group has sold over 100million albums and had at least 25 songs reach the Billboard Hot 100, including Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), Who's Crying Now, and Open Arms, among others.
A milestone was also reached with the Journey's Greatest Hits album, as it solidified itself as just one of three others to spend 600 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 list, per Forbes.
Bob Marley and the Wailers’ album, Legend, and Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon are the other two that also hold the title.
Tickner quickly left Journey in 1975 for a career in medicine after the band released its self-titled debut album.
He received a full ride to Stanford Medical but maintained his passion for music by songwriting and performing.
In 2005, Journey was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Tickner attended alongside his former band members.
Journey had been touring since the start of 2023, dubbed the Freedom Tour and supported by Toto.
Read More On The Sun
Moment hotel staff get revenge on sunbed hoggers as worker snatches towels
How to get rid of flies with clever 89p hack using common kitchen items
The current lineup has changed a bit over the years but still features Schon as Journey's lead guitarist.
Other members include Arnel Pineda as the band's lead vocalist, Jonathan Cain on keyboard along with Jason Derlatka, Deen Castronovo on drums, and Todd Jensen on bass.
Source: Read Full Article
