Posted on 07/06/2023 2:05:00 PM PDT by Morgana
The original guitarist and co-founder of Journey, George Tickner has died aged 76.
His passing was confirmed Thursday 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.
Tickner left the band before Journey became a household name so he could become a doctor. He remained connected to the band, and music, for most of his life. He even appeared with the band for a 2005 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.
'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.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Gawd I'm getting old
Back in the day I was in the concert biz, late 70s thru 80s. Got to work Journey shows, production side coordination. We played them in a softball game once sponsored by a local FM station. Steve Perry helped call the play by play on the broadcast. They had full uniforms & beat us pretty good. Lot of fun. ;O)
We get old, but the music lives on.
Looks like he stopped believing...
Godspeed on your continued Journey.
I saw Ted Nugent when he was still with the Amboy Dukes circa 1968. Steppenwolf. Yeah, we’re getting old. The rebel, outlaw rock and roll music I used to listen to, like, “Street Fighting Man” by the Stones? Now it’s played in the waiting room of my Dentist’s office.
I saw AC/DC in 1977 when they warmed up Rush. No one knew who the hell they were. End of the show Bonn Scott comes running into the crowd with Angus Young on his shoulders. Everybody was like “WTF??!!!!”
By the time Rush took the stage the crowd was exhausted- and deaf!!!
Great band with too many high maintenance personalities which ripped them apart. They are still fighting each other to this day.
I much preferred the older Journey with Greg Rolle. Never could stand the stuff with Perry. Different strokes I guess. Too bad Neal Schon couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Good guitarist. Leftist nut.
Godspeed, George. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
Apparently George’s massive hands could come up with weird guitar chords that few others could even play. And he helped define their sound. Here’s an absolute gem that he wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xGRVRS_bFI
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.