Journey announced that drummer Deen Castronovo has stepped away from the band to focus on personal health matters, with Steve Murphy taking over drums for the remainder of November shows, the band said on Facebook.
The announcement came one month after Castronovo suffered a medical emergency during a live concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Journey said that after a year of extensive touring, their longtime drummer decided to leave the band.
Journey released a statement saying: “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 his attention.”
The band continued: “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.”
Journey added: “We look forward to continuing to share unforgettable nights of music with all of you.”
The band’s statement marked the official announcement of Castronovo’s departure following his health emergency during the tour. Murphy’s appointment provides a temporary solution for the remainder of the scheduled November performances.
Castronovo had been with Journey since 1998, initially serving as the drummer and backing vocalist on five albums. After leaving the band in 2015, he returned in 2021 as a second drummer alongside Narada Michael Walden. When Walden departed in 2022, Castronovo became the sole drummer once again.
The Tulsa concert on October 8 was part of Journey’s Final Frontier farewell tour, which began in February in Pennsylvania. The tour was scheduled to continue across North America through November 28, with the final show planned for Chase Center in San Francisco. When Castronovo was taken to the hospital during the Tulsa performance, his drum tech Steve Toomey completed the show at the drums.
Murphy brings extensive touring experience to the role, having worked with The Alan Parsons Live Project for seven and a half years across more than 40 countries. He has also performed with Jack Bruce, The Who’s John Entwistle, Eric Burdon and the Animals, Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, and Grand Funk Railroad’s Mark Farner. His appointment covers the final Journey shows scheduled for November.
