Co-founder of Journey and legendary guitarist George Tickner has passed away at the age of 76.
His passing was confirmed by co-founding member Neal Schon – although no cause of death was given.
Who was George Tickner
George Tickner was an American musician and songwriter who gained recognition as one of the founding members of the iconic rock band Journey. Born on February 8, 1953, Tickner played a crucial role in the band’s early formation and contributed to their distinctive sound.
Tickner joined forces with Neal Schon, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, and Prairie Prince to form the band that would later become Journey in 1973. He played rhythm guitar and provided backing vocals during his time with the band. Tickner’s musical contributions were particularly notable in the writing and recording of Journey’s self-titled debut album, released in 1975.
On the debut album, Tickner co-wrote several tracks, including the epic opener “Of a Lifetime” and the atmospheric “Kohoutek.” These songs showcased his musical talent and helped shape the progressive rock sound that Journey would become known for.
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However, Tickner left Journey shortly after the release of their debut album in 1975. He decided to pursue other interests and chose not to continue his professional music career. As a result, Tickner’s time with Journey was relatively brief compared to the enduring success of the band.
After leaving Journey, Tickner maintained a private life and largely stayed out of the public eye. He chose to step away from the music industry and focus on other endeavors. Despite his departure from the band, Tickner’s contributions to Journey’s early sound and songwriting continue to be recognized and appreciated by fans of the band.
While George Tickner may not have achieved the same level of fame and recognition as some of his former bandmates, his role as a founding member of Journey and his contributions to their early music remain an important part of the band’s history. His talent and influence played a significant role in shaping Journey’s musical journey and laying the foundation for their future success.
