Journey’s Longtime Drummer Deen Castronovo Leaves Band One Month After Suffering Medical Emergency Mid-Concert

Madison E. GoldbergSat, November 14, 2026 at 4:17 AM UTC

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Deen Castronovo of Journey performs during the Journey 50th Anniversary Tour at Moody Center on February 22, 2023 in Austin, Texas.Credit: Brian Ach/Getty -

Journey drummer Deen Castronovo has stepped away from the band amid “personal health matters,” the band announced Friday, Nov. 13

Castronovo had played drums with Journey from 1998 to 2015, and returned to the band in 2021

His departure follows an onstage medical emergency that led to his hospitalization on Oct. 8 in Tulsa, Okla.

Deen Castronovo, who has served as Journey’s drummer since 1998, is stepping away from the band amid “personal health matters.”

“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 statement shared on Neal Schon’s Facebook page on Friday, Nov. 13. “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.”

The statement went on to say that Steve Murphy, who has worked with Alan Parsons Project, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Christopher Cross and Jack Bruce, will join the group on tour for the remainder of November.

“We look forward to continuing to share unforgettable nights of music with all of you,” the statement added.

The nature of Castronovo’s medical condition was not disclosed.

Jonathan Cain, Todd Jensen, Arnel Pineda, Jason Derlatka, Journey founder Neal Schon, Journey co-founder Gregg Rolie, and Deen Castronovo perform during the Journey 50th Anniversary Tour at Moody Center on February 22, 2023Credit: Brian Ach/Getty

The drummer’s decision to leave the band comes almost a month after he suffered a medical emergency and was hospitalized on Oct. 8 while the band was playing in Tulsa, Okla.

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The incident occurred while Castronovo and Journey performed the second song of the night, according to an X video posted by Tulsa World sports reporter Eric Bailey.

“We’re going to see what happens as this progresses,” bandmate Jonathan Cain explained. “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.”

Castronovo joined Journey in 1998, coinciding with Steve Augeri replacing original lead singer Steve Perry. He remained with the band consistently until 2015, and later returned in 2021.

On the group’s current tour, Castronovo has additionally provided vocals on the group’s 1978 classic “Lights”, Rolling Stone reported.

PEOPLE has reached out to a rep for Journey.

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