In a solemn farewell, George Tickner, one of the founding members of the renowned rock band Journey, has passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. The news of his demise was reported by Mercury News, and the music world mourns the loss of this influential musician.
Neal Schon, Journey’s guitarist, took to social media to share the sad news. In a heartfelt Twitter post, he bid farewell to Tickner, saying, “RIP George, you now fly with the Angels.” Schon also shared the news on the band’s official Facebook page, further affirming the profound impact Tickner had on the group.
Tickner’s musical journey began before his involvement with Journey. He was part of the Bay Area psychedelic rock group, Frumious Bandersnatch, along with future Journey member Ross Valory. It was in 1973 that Tickner, along with Schon, Valory, and Gregg Rolie, co-founded Journey, as noted by the San Francisco Chronicle. Together, they embarked on a path that would shape the band’s early years.
Tickner’s contributions to Journey were evident from the start. He played a pivotal role in the band’s self-titled debut album, co-writing the opening track “Of a Lifetime” alongside Schon and Rolie. To this day, “Of a Lifetime” remains one of Schon’s personal favorite songs, as he fondly reminisced on Facebook.
In 1975, Tickner made the difficult decision to part ways with Journey to pursue higher education at Stanford University, where he received a full scholarship. Despite his departure, Tickner’s influence continued to resonate on Journey’s subsequent albums, according to KRON4. His departure marked a turning point, but his impact remained indelible.
During his time at Stanford, Tickner maintained his connection to music. He established a recording studio called The Hive with fellow Journey and Frumious Bandersnatch member Ross Valory. Additionally, Tickner collaborated with keyboardist Stevie “Keys” Roseman to form the group VTR. In 2005, they released the album “Cinema,” featuring contributions from Neal Schon and Prairie Prince.
In a heartfelt reunion in 2005, George Tickner joined his former bandmates to celebrate Journey receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This momentous occasion recognized Tickner’s early contributions in shaping the band’s sound and image. Neal Schon expressed his deep appreciation for Tickner’s invaluable contributions, emphasizing his irreplaceable role within the band.
While the cause of George Tickner’s passing remains undisclosed, his enduring legacy lives on. Fans, music enthusiasts, and fellow band members will forever cherish the impact he made during Journey’s formative years. As a founding member and vital creative force, George Tickner’s influence will continue to reverberate, leaving an indelible mark on the iconic rock band’s history.
Source: hoodline
