Journey is pushing ahead with its Final Frontier Tour following the departure of the band’s longtime drummer, Deen Castronovo.
“After careful consideration and an extensive year of touring, our talented, longtime drummer Deen Castronovo has decided to step away to focus on personal health matters that require his attention,” the “Open Arms” band revealed via a Friday, November 13, statement. “He has our full support during this time and extends his heartfelt thanks to the fans for the love, encouragement, and kindness he has received.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees have enlisted fill-in drummer Steve Murphy for the remainder of this year’s dates on Journey’s farewell tour.
“Native New Yorker Steve Murphy who comes to us from working with bands such as Alan Parsons Project, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Christopher Cross and Jack Bruce will be joining us for the remainder of November,” the band confirmed via Instagram. “We look forward to continuing to share unforgettable nights of music with all of you.”
Castronovo’s shocking departure from Journey follows two recent incidents where he had to exit the stage mid-performance, forcing his bandmates to rearrange their show on the fly, with drum tech Steve Toomey ultimately filling in on both occasions.
Viral footage captured Journey announcing from the stage at the BOK Center in Tulsa on October 8 that Castronovo was being rushed to the hospital due to a “medical emergency” after performing only 2 songs in a planned 28-song setlist.
“We’re going to see what happens as this progresses,” Journey keyboardist and rhythm guitarist Jonathan Cain explained to fans that night. “It’s an unfortunate situation. We’re very sorry. We’re hoping it’s only a delay, but please — I’m sorry. Don’t worry. Have your prayers ready. Have your prayers ready for Deen Castronovo, everybody. Thank you.”
Journey frontman Arnel Pineda assured fans after an extended break that the drummer was “going to be fine.” Later in the show, lead guitarist Neal Schon dedicated the rest of the Tulsa show to Castronovo.
“This concert’s for Deen tonight,” he told the audience. “I’d love you all to pray for him. Everybody’s been going through a lot. I think he’s going to be fine.”
Castronovo was back on stage with Journey on October 10 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, though he was again rushed from the stage in Boston after performing 12 songs on Tuesday, November 10.
Journey has not disclosed exactly what medical issues Castronovo is dealing with.
Prior to joining Journey in 1998, Castronovo played with singer John Waite and future Journey bandmates Schon, 72, and Cain, 76, in rock supergroup Bad English from 1987 to 1991. He later joined Ozzy Osbourne‘s backing band in 1995.
Journey’s Final Frontier Tour is set to wrap up for the year at the Honda Center in Anaheim on November 24.
