Neal Schon recently commented on the health of Journey drummer Deen Castronovo. He addressed the situation in a statement on Facebook.
The statement came one day after Castronovo suffered an unspecified medical emergency during the band’s live concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was reportedly hospitalized. In his update, Schon indicated that the drummer is doing well at the moment.
“UPDATE! Deen is doing great! He can’t wait to see you in San Antonio, TX! Come out and help welcome him back! Your prayers truly worked. God bless you all. We will see you tomorrow night San Antonio!” Schon said.
Before Schon’s message, Jonathan Cain had addressed the audience during the previous night’s show following Castronovo’s health emergency.
“We’re going to see what happens as this progresses. 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,” Cain said.
The latest update gives fans a clearer picture of what happened on Thursday night and what comes next for the tour.
The emergency happened on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Tulsa’s BOK Center. Castronovo was helped offstage after the second song, and the concert stopped. Schon returned to the stage about 10 minutes later to tell the audience that the drummer had been taken to a hospital.
The show resumed with drum technician Steve Toomey filling in behind the kit. Castronovo, 62, plays drums and sings for Journey, so his absence changed the band’s setup for the rest of the night.
Schon sounded optimistic on stage. “I think he’s going to be fine,” he told the crowd.
Journey’s next show was in San Antonio on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Frost Bank Center. Schon’s message says Castronovo plans to return for that date. No cause for the medical emergency has been made public.
