Original guitarist and Journey co-founder George Tickner has died at the age of 76.

His death was confirmed on social media Thursday by co-founding member Neil Schon. “Journey Junkies, we have very sad news to announce that George Tickner, Journey’s original rhythm guitarist and songwriter for their first three albums, has passed away,” he wrote on Facebook. “Godspeed, George…thanks for the music. We will honor you indefinitely on this page.”

This moving tribute referred to Tickner’s astonishing contribution to the band’s formative years.

Sean told Tickner directly that he was “very lonely.”

“We thank him for his unparalleled contributions in the early stages of Journey.

“My condolences to his family and friends and to all band members past and present. Very heartbreaking.. I think we need to do a group hug for JJ,” he continued.

Tickner’s talent propelled Journey to superstardom. The “Journey’s Greatest Hits” album is one of only his three albums to have been on the Billboard 200 for 600 weeks. This honor is shared with Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ and Bob Marley and the Wailers’ ‘Legends’.according to new york post.

Tickner, Sean and bassist Ross Valory got together to form the band in 1973 and remained committed to the group’s success. Tickner was instrumental in starting the band and was also the band’s guitarist. (Related: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s last surviving founding member dies at 71)

The talented guitarist joined the band in 2005 to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Sean ended his tribute to Tickner by writing, “Fly free above the stars, sir… Harvey is waiting to welcome you.”

His exact cause of death is unknown at this time.