Deen Castronovo Steps Away From Journey Due to Health Matters

“Dear Friends, 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 our attention,” the band said in a statement on Friday.

Journey drummer Deen Castronovo is stepping away from the band mid-tour to focus on personal health matters. The departure comes after the 62-year-old musician was forced to leave the stage during a show in Boston.

Castronovo first fell ill on Oct. 8 during a concert in Tulsa, Okla., when he was helped offstage after wrapping up just the second song. He returned two nights later in San Antonio, but left halfway through the performance at Boston’s TD Garden, as fans reported on Setlist.fm. Drum tech Steve Toomey filled in during that Boston concert, and the band cut several songs from the set.

Journey tapped Steve Murphy to take over drum duties for the remainder of their fall dates. Murphy made his debut with the group in Cleveland on Thursday night.

“We’re gonna let you in on a little secret,” keyboardist Jonathan Cain told the audience at Rocket Arena, introducing the new drummer after the show was underway. “This is Steve Murphy’s first gig with the band tonight. Can you believe this drummer, right here?”

Murphy brings extensive touring experience to the group. He has previously performed with the Alan Parsons Project, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christopher Cross, and Jack Bruce.

The band’s current trek was initially billed as a farewell tour. However, members recently indicated they might continue performing past the final scheduled dates.

“What began as ‘The Final Frontier’ now feels more like ‘The Long Goodbye,’” guitarist Neal Schon posted to Facebook on Nov. 2. “We’re letting our hearts — and the connection we feel with you every night — help guide what comes next,” said Schon.

Journey is scheduled to perform next in Greenville, S.C., before wrapping up the North American tour in San Francisco on Nov. 28.

Drummer and multi-instrumentalist Steve Murphy has joined Journey for the remainder of their tour dates. Murphy has previously worked with the Alan Parsons Project and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Castronovo suffered a medical emergency in Tulsa, Okla., on Oct. 8, requiring him to leave the stage after two songs. He experienced a second health scare during a performance in Boston, prompting his departure from the lineup.

The fall North American tour is scheduled to conclude on Nov. 28 in San Francisco.