The co-founding guitarist of Journey, George Tickner has passed away, news broke from his former bandmember, Neal Schon

Neal Schon who has been the longtime lead guitarist of the band announced his death on social media with a heart felt post saying “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 also continued by saying, “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.”

George Tickner was part of Journey when they first started back in 1973, playing alongside Neal Schon and Ross Valory.

However, he decided to leave the band in 1975 before they gained all of their popularity that they have today because he wanted to go into a career that he was passionate with and decided to use the scholarship he received and go to Stanford Medical School.

He still had love for music and would continue to write and do performances locally just for fun.

George joined Journey when they received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame back in 2005.

The cause of death was not in Neal’s post. George Tickner passed at 76 years old.