Former Journey rhythm guitarist and co-writer George Tickner has died at 76.
His former bandmate Neal Schon announced the news on Facebook, writing: "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."
He continued, "Rest peacefully, Dr. George Tickner. You will be missed immensely. Thank you for your incomparable contribution to Journey's early years.
"Fly free above the stars Sir, Herbie's waiting to greet you", a reference to the band's late longtime manager, Herbie Herbert.
He added: "Our condolences to his family and friends, and to all past and present band members. So heartbreaking..."
The rock band was formed in San Francisco in 1973 and the original line-up included several former members of Santana. Tickner was a major contributor to their early work and the original rhythm guitarist.
Tickner left the band in 1975, after the release of their debut album, to pursue a career in medicine, but continued to write music for the group.
Journey is one of the highest-selling acts of all time, known for songs like Open Arms, When You Love a Woman and Faithfully.
Their seminal hit Don't Stop Believing, released in 1981, gained a revived cultural significance in 2007 when it was used in the famous final scene of TV drama The Sopranos. It has since has surpassed one billion Spotify streams.
Before forming Journey, Tickner was a member of Frumious Bandersnatch with Journey founder Ross Valory.
In 2005, he released an album Cinema for his band VTR with Ross Valory, Stevie Keys Roseman and other Journey stars including Schon, Steve Smith, and Prairie Prince.
