George Tickner Dead at 76

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Remembering George Tickner: A Guitar Legend’s Journey Comes to an End

George Tickner, the original rhythm guitarist, and co-founder of the renowned rock band Journey, has sadly passed away at the age of 76, as announced by his former bandmate, Neal Schon, on Wednesday.

Schon took to Facebook to share the heartbreaking news, accompanied by photos of Tickner, expressing his sorrow and paying tribute to the late guitarist. He conveyed the message to their loyal fans, known as “Journey Junkies,” informing them of Tickner’s significant contributions to the band’s early success. Tickner had played a vital role as a rhythm guitarist and songwriting contributor on Journey’s first three albums. Schon expressed gratitude for Tickner’s musical talents and announced that the page would indefinitely honor his memory.

Schon extended his condolences to Tickner’s family, friends, and all past and present band members, emphasizing the profound loss that his passing represents. He acknowledged the deep sadness shared by the Journey community and suggested a virtual group hug among the fans to provide solace during this difficult time. Schon also mentioned that Tickner’s musical legacy lives on, citing “Of a Lifetime” as one of his personal favorite songs.

Tickner played on the band's debut album before pursuing a career in medicine. https://t.co/lKZqJmSBns

— HuffPost (@HuffPost) July 6, 2023

Reflecting on Tickner’s post-Journey journey, Schon recognized his decision to pursue higher education and attend Stanford University on a full scholarship. Tickner’s thirst for knowledge led him to earn a Ph.D., and he eventually left the band to focus on a career in medicine. Schon referred to Tickner as “Dr. George Tickner” and expressed immense gratitude for his exceptional contributions to Journey’s early years. He concluded his post by mentioning that their former band manager, Herbie Herbert, would be waiting to greet Tickner in the afterlife.

The specific details surrounding Tickner’s cause of death were not disclosed.

Born in Syracuse, New York, on September 8, 1946, George Tickner embarked on his musical journey with the band Frumious Bandersnatch. The group gained popularity in the San Francisco Bay area and performed at various events, including The Fantastic Flight of The Mystic Balloon festival in Lafayette on July 22, 1967.

George Tickner’s passing leaves a void in the music world, but his remarkable talent and significant contributions to Journey’s early years will be cherished and remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike. His legacy will continue to resonate through the timeless melodies that captivated audiences around the globe. May he rest in peace.