Drummer Deen Castronovo is leaving Journey after health issues prompted him to exit two shows mid-concert within the past two months.
"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 announced on social media 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 "Don't Stop Believin'" band said New Yorker Steve Murphy, who has worked with bands Alan Parsons Project and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, will replace Castronovo, 62, for the remainder of its November shows.
"We look forward to continuing to share unforgettable nights of music with all of you," the statement continues.
Castronovo's exit comes days after he abruptly dropped out of their Nov. 10 show in Boston because of health issues. The group has not clarified what his health issues are.
USA TODAY has reached out to Journey's representatives for comment.
The post did not feature any photos of Castronovo but of Murphy, who joined the group at its Thursday, Nov. 12, show in Cleveland. Journey also shared the post on Castronovo’s personal Facebook page, though it provided no additional comment.
Deen Castronovo hospitalized mid-concert in October
Castronovo was hospitalized two songs into a Journey concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Oct. 8, according to local outlet Tulsa World. The medical emergency prompted several band members to step off the stage, and keyboardist Jonathan Cain addressed the crowd.
"So we're going to see what happens as this progresses," Cain said, per Tulsa World. "It's an unfortunate situation. We're very sorry. We're hoping it's only a delay. Don't worry. Have your prayers ready for Deen Castronovo, everybody. Thank you."
Minutes later, guitarist Neal Schon returned and revealed Castronovo wouldn't be returning and had been taken to the hospital.
Castronovo joined the rock band in 1998, replacing original drummer Steve Smith, but was forced to exit in 2015 due to domestic violence charges. Nine charges against him were later dismissed, and he pleaded guilty to six others. He was sentenced to four years of supervised probation and ordered to complete drug rehabilitation.
In 2019, he performed alongside Schon on a non-Journey project tour before returning to the group in 2021.
The current Journey lineup also includes longtime members Schon, Cain, lead singer Arnel Pineda (since 2007), keyboardist Jason Derlatka (since 2020) and bassist Todd Jensen (since 2021).
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY; Kaellen Hessel, Statesman Journal
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Deen Castronovo leaves Journey after two health emergencies mid-show
