Journey co-founder George Tickner is dead at 76

Journey co-founder George Tickner is dead at 76: Original guitarist with legendary band left to become a doctor

The original guitarist and co-founder of Journey, George Tickner has died aged 76.

His passing was confirmed by co-founding member Neal Schon – although no cause of death was given.

‘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 on Facebook Thursday.

‘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.’

The Grammy-nominated rock band has sold more than 100million albums since its founding, and the generational hit ‘Don’t Stop Believin” has surpassed 1billion streams on Spotify. 

Twenty-five of Journey’s songs have charted on the Billboard Hot 100.

Tickner, Schon and bassist Ross Valory came together in San Francisco in 1973 to form the band.

Prior to co-founding Journey, Tickner was a member of psychedelic rock band Fruminous Bandersnatch, along with Valory.

Tickner left the band in 1975, following the release of its eponymous debut album. He pursued a career in medicine after receiving a full ride to Stanford Medical school.

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