Deen Castronovo, the drummer for the band Journey, is stepping away from the group's "Final Frontier" tour to address "personal health matters." The announcement comes after Castronovo experienced two recent onstage health scares.
Castronovo, 62, was forced to leave the stage during Journey's performance in Boston on Tuesday. This incident followed a hospitalization in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on October 8, where he suffered a medical emergency mid-performance. Although he returned to the stage for a show in San Antonio two days later, he again had to depart the stage partway through the Boston concert.
"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 said in a statement released Friday. "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."
Steve Murphy, a drummer who has previously worked with artists like the Alan Parsons Project and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, has joined Journey to fill in for the remainder of the tour. Murphy made his debut with the band in Cleveland on Thursday night.
Castronovo first joined Journey in 1998, drumming and providing vocals until 2015. He rejoined the band in July 2021. His career also includes work with Bad English and Hardline, and performances with notable musicians such as Ozzy Osbourne and members of Black Sabbath.
Journey's "Final Frontier" tour, initially billed as the band's farewell, has recently seen its members suggest they may not be ready to retire. Guitarist Neal Schon posted on Facebook on November 2, stating, "What began as ‘The Final Frontier’ now feels more like ‘The Long Goodbye.’ We’re letting our hearts — and the connection we feel with you every night — help guide what comes next."
The band is scheduled to continue its tour, with upcoming dates in Greenville, South Carolina, and concluding in San Francisco on November 28.