Drummer Deen Castronovo is stepping away from Journey just two weeks before the band wraps its Final Frontier tour with a homecoming show in San Francisco. Castronovo has been dealing with an undisclosed medical ailment that forced him to leave the stage midway through two recent gigs and hand his sticks over to drum tech Steve Toomey. Journey has tapped Steve Murphy to finish the 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. We look forward to continuing to share unforgettable nights of music with all of you.” Castronovo teamed up with Journey in 1998, when the band first hit the road with replacement vocalist Steve Augeri. He left in 2015 when he was arrested on domestic violence and sexual assault charges, though he ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of fourth-degree assault constituting domestic violence, two counts of menacing constituting domestic violence, and unlawful use of a weapon and coercion.
Many of the more serious charges, including sexual assault, were dropped as part of the plea deal. He received a suspended sentence and four years of probation. Journey brought him back in 2021, and he once again became a pivotal part of their live show, even singing lead on their 1978 classic “Lights” throughout this tour.
But during an October 8 show in Tulsa, the drummer suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to a hospital. We’re hoping it’s only a delay, but please — I’m sorry. Have your prayers ready for Deen Castronovo, everybody.
Thank you.” They were able to finish the show with Toomey behind the kit. And when the tour resumed just two days later in San Antonio, Texas, Castronovo was back on drums, seemingly fine. But when the tour came to Boston on November 10, Castronovo once again had to depart the stage midway through.
They were able to continue with Toomey, but had to cut several songs from the set. Trending Stories Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters Files for Divorce From Fourth Wife Kamilah Chavis After 5 Years of Marriage John Mulaney Has Many Thoughts on the 2026 Rock Hall Inductees — And Picks Next Year’s Class The ‘You Can See Everything’ Interview You’ve Been Waiting For Dolly Parton Heals the Soul on Final Recording, ‘Torn,’ a Duet With Bono on U2’s New Album This was the end of the line for Castronovo. Murphy joined the tour in Cleveland on November 12, and he’ll be there until the end.
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