George Tickner was a guitarist and songwriter who co-founded Journey.
- Died: July 5, 2023 (Who else died on July 5?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 76.
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George Tickner’s legacy
Tickner got his start playing guitar in the bands Faun and Frumious Bandersnatch. In 1973, he and Frumious Bandersnatch member Ross Valory joined Neil Schon, Gregg Rolie, and Prairie Prince to form Journey. Tickner played rhythm guitar to Schon’s lead guitar as they performed their early shows and recorded their 1975 self-titled debut album. Tickner wrote the instrumental “Topaz” and co-wrote the songs “Of a Lifetime” and “Mystery Mountain” for the album.
As the debut album made it to the Billboard charts, peaking at 138, and Journey began to gain a following, Tickner left the band, choosing to attend Stanford Medical School instead of the busy touring schedule Journey undertook. His influence remained through the band’s next two albums, though, as he co-wrote “You’re on Your Own” and “I’m Gonna Leave You” from “Look into the Future” and “Nickel and Dime” from “Next.”
Later, Tickner and Valory co-founded a recording studio, the Hive. They also formed the band VTR together, releasing the 2005 album “Cinema.” Also in 2005, Tickner was among the current and former members of Journey present as the band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Tributes to George Tickner
Full obituary: American Songwriter
