Journey drummer Deen Castronovo is stepping away from the band’s ongoing tour to deal with personal health matters, ending weeks of uncertainty among fans after several unexpected absences from the stage. The band announced the decision Friday, November 13, confirming that another drummer would take his place for the remainder of November.
Castronovo, a longtime member of the legendary rock group, made the decision after what Journey described as an extensive year of touring. The band did not reveal the nature of his health concerns or say how long he might remain away. However, its announcement made clear that he has its full support as he takes time to address the situation.
“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,” Journey said in its statement.
https://t.co/RvxmneYLIm
— Deen Castronovo (@DeenTheDrummer) November 13, 2026
The announcement comes after several concerning moments during the band’s recent performances. On October 8, Castronovo experienced a medical emergency during Journey’s concert at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The show was stopped after just two songs, and he was helped off the stage before being taken to a hospital. The band’s longtime drum technician, Steve Toomey, stepped in to finish the performance.
Castronovo returned to the stage two nights later in San Antonio, Texas, giving fans reason to believe the situation had improved. But concerns resurfaced in November. During Journey’s November 10 concert in Boston, Massachusetts, he left partway through the performance, with Toomey again taking over behind the drum kit.
By Thursday, November 12, another change had taken place. Steve Murphy, a New York native with experience performing alongside several established musicians, handled the entire drum performance at Journey’s concert in Cleveland, Ohio. Keyboardist Jonathan Cain introduced him to the audience, revealing that it was Murphy’s first performance with the band.
Murphy has previously worked with the Alan Parsons Project, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christopher Cross and Jack Bruce. His experience with these acts made him a suitable temporary addition as Journey continued its busy touring schedule. The band confirmed that he would remain with the group through the rest of November.
Journey also took time to acknowledge the support Castronovo has received from fans. In its statement, the band said he was grateful for the love, encouragement and kindness shown to him during this period. It also expressed its intention to continue delivering performances to audiences across the country.
Castronovo has been an important part of Journey’s sound for years, contributing both drums and vocals. He first joined the band in 1998 before leaving in 2015 and returning in 2021. Outside Journey, he has also performed with rock groups including Revolution Saints and Bad English.
Journey’s current Final Frontier tour is scheduled to continue through November 28, with its final November performance planned for San Francisco, California. The band has not announced whether Castronovo will return for any future performances or provided a timeline for his recovery.
For now, fans are left hoping he gets the time and attention he needs. His absence marks another change during Journey’s ongoing tour, but the band’s message was clear: his health comes first, and he has its support.