George Tickner, the original guitarist, and co-founder of the iconic ’80s rock band Journey, has died. He was 76. His cause of death and fortune explored.
Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973 by former members of Santana, Steve Miller Band, and Frumious Bandersnatch.
The band currently consists of guitarist/vocalist Neal Schon (the longest-serving original member), keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist Jonathan Cain and keyboardist/vocalist Jason Derlatka, drummer/vocalist Deen Castronovo, bassist Todd Jensen, and lead vocalist Arnel Pineda.
The band was more experimental and less successful. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have never even earned a Grammy Award, and have only been nominated once in their entire career.
On July 5, 2023, the world learned about the death of one prominent member of the band. Original guitarist and co-founder of Journey, George Tickner, had died aged 76. Now, fans are asking what his cause of death was and how much he had made from his entire career. Read n for more.
What was George Tickner’s cause of death?
Neal Schon, another co-founding member of the iconic band behind the tune Don’t Stop Believin’, confirmed the news on Thursday morning via Facebook but his cause of death was not revealed.
“Journey Junkies, I have some very sad news,” Schon wrote in a post.
“George Tickner, Journey’s original rhythm guitarist and songwriting contributor on their first three albums, has passed away.”
“He was 76 years old,” the lead guitarist and songwriter added.
Schon thanked Tickner for everything he contributed to Journey over the years and added a touching note about endless tributes for the guitarist.
“Godspeed, George… thank you for the music. We will be paying tribute to you on this page indefinitely,” he said.
“Our condolences to his family and friends, and to all past and present band members.”
Schon continued: “So heartbreaking.. I think we need to do a group hug, JJ’s.”
Credit: Getty
What was Geroge Tickner’s net worth?
George Tickner had an estimated net worth of about $5 million when he died. Born on September 8, 1946, in Syracuse, New York, United States, George Tyndall Tickner was an American rock musician who played rhythm guitar and co-wrote songs as a founding member of Journey. Prior to joining Journey, Tickner was a member of the San Francisco psychedelic rock band Frumious Bandersnatch, along with fellow Journey founder Ross Valory.
Journey first formed in San Francisco, California, in 1973 when Schon, who was originally with the band Santana, Tickner, and bassist Ross Valory came together, per the band’s official website.
Tickner went from playing bass in Journey’s early days to guitar.
He and Valory came from the psychedelic rock band Frumious Bandersnatch to join Journey, per the New York Post.
The band proceeded to release several rock hits, including Don’t Stop Believin’, which remains the band’s most-played song on Spotify with over 1.5 billion streams.
Journey also still has around 18.6 million monthly listeners.
The rock group has sold over 100 million albums and had at least 25 songs reach the Billboard Hot 100, including Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), Who’s Crying Now, and Open Arms, among others.
A milestone was also reached with the Journey’s Greatest Hits album, as it solidified itself as just one of three others to spend 600 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 list, per Forbes.
Bob Marley and the Wailers’ album, Legend, and Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon are the other two that also hold the title.
Credit: Redferns
Why did George Tickner leave Journey? Tickner quickly left Journey in 1975 for a career in medicine after the band released its self-titled debut album.
He received a full ride to Stanford Medical but maintained his passion for music by songwriting and performing.
In 2005, Journey was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Tickner attended alongside his former band members.
Journey had been touring since the start of 2023, dubbed the Freedom Tour which was supported by Toto.
The current lineup has changed a bit over the years but still features Schon as Journey’s lead guitarist.
Other members include Arnel Pineda as the band’s lead vocalist, Jonathan Cain on keyboard along with Jason Derlatka, Deen Castronovo on drums, and Todd Jensen on bass.