Journey drummer Deen Castronovo experienced a medical emergency just two songs into the group’s performance in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Thursday night, October 8. The band later resumed the show with Castronovo’s drum technician, Steve Toomey, taking over behind the kit.
With the other musicians offstage, keyboardist Jonathan Cain addressed the audience at the BOK Center, asking fans to keep Castronovo in their thoughts as the band waited for news.
“We’re going to see what happens as this progresses,” Cain said. “It’s an unfortunate situation. We’re very sorry. We’re hoping it’s only a delay.” He then added, “Have your prayers ready for Deen Castronovo, everybody. Thank you.”
At the Journey concert where drummer Deen Castronova had a “medical emergency” after two songs. Was helped off the stage. Show is delayed for now at the BOK Center. https://t.co/KHQljAJRnlOctober 9, 2026
About 10 minutes later, guitarist Neal Schon returned to the stage to tell the crowd that Castronovo had been taken to a hospital. The concert proceeded with Toomey filling in for the drummer.
“Give a big hand for Steve Toomey,” Schon told the audience. “We love you all. We’re very sorry for the inconvenience.”
Schon later dedicated the performance to his bandmate, expressing optimism about his condition.
“This concert is for Deen,” he said. “I think he’s going to be fine.”
Journey is currently on its Final Frontier farewell tour, which began February 28 in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The latest leg started September 12 in Los Angeles and is scheduled to wrap up November 28 in San Francisco.
The band’s lineup includes Schon on lead electric guitar, Cain on keyboards and guitar, vocalist Arnel Pineda, Castronovo on drums and vocals, Jason Derlatka on keyboards and vocals, and bass guitarist Todd Jensen.
Castronovo rejoined Journey in July 2021 after being dismissed from the group in 2015 amid a period of substance abuse and legal troubles. He was sentenced to four years’ probation for charges involving his now-wife. Castronovo subsequently acknowledged emotionally, verbally and physically abusing her, saying he would always be indebted to her for contacting police after he went on a 24-day methamphetamine binge.
Upon his return to Journey, Castronovo initially shared the drumming duties with Narada Michael Walden. He has continued performing with the band since then.
In March 2021, Castronovo also disclosed that he had been taking opiates for more than a year while awaiting back surgery, which had been delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
