Deen Castronovo, the talented drummer of the iconic rock band Journey, has announced that he is stepping away from the band amid their farewell tour to concentrate on “personal health matters.” The decision comes after a particularly challenging year of extensive touring and recent health scares that have raised concerns about his well-being.
Health Challenges During the Tour
The 62-year-old drummer faced a significant health issue on October 8 during a performance in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which led to his hospitalization. Just a month later, during a show in Boston, he was again forced to leave the stage after performing only two songs, prompting the band to make this difficult decision.
In a statement released on Friday, Journey expressed their support for Castronovo, stating, “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 band emphasized that he has their full backing during this challenging time and extended their gratitude to the fans for their love and encouragement.
Steve Murphy Joins the Lineup
To fill the void left by Castronovo, Journey has welcomed drummer Steve Murphy, known for his work with notable acts such as the Alan Parsons Project and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Murphy made his debut with the band during a performance in Cleveland shortly after the announcement.
Castronovo’s recent health challenges included a brief return to the stage in San Antonio two days after his Tulsa incident; however, he had to leave again midway through the Boston concert a few nights later. During the Boston show, drum tech Steve Toomey filled in when Castronovo could not continue, and the setlist was adjusted, with several songs being cut.
Journey’s Ongoing Legacy and Future
Journey continues their “Final Frontier” tour, featuring core members including guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Jonathan Cain, and singer Arnel Pineda, who joined the group in 2007. Castronovo’s history with Journey spans from 1998 to 2015, and he rejoined the band in July 2021 after exploring various musical endeavors, including stints with Bad English and Hardline.
Despite initially branding this tour as their farewell, the band has hinted at a continued presence, with Schon recently reflecting on their connection with fans: “Your love, energy and passion for this music have reminded us how much we still share and how much this journey means to all of us.” In his post on November 2, he noted, “What began as ‘The Final Frontier’ now feels more like ‘The Long Goodbye,’” suggesting that the band may not be ready to retire just yet.
Journey’s upcoming performances include a show in Greenville, South Carolina, on Saturday, with the tour set to conclude in San Francisco on November 28.
