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.
“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 wrote in a group 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. 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 going to see what happens as this progresses,” Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain told the audience. “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.”
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.
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. The band members originally said this was their last tour, but they have recently changed their minds.
“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,” band founder Neal Schon wrote to fans earlier this month. “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.”