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Deen Castronovo leaves Journey to focus on health

Deen Castronovo is no longer behind the kit for Journey. The band has confirmed his departure, pointing to health problems that twice forced the drummer to leave the stage partway through a show in the past month.

The most recent episode came in Boston last Tuesday, when drum tech Steve Toomey stepped in as an emergency replacement during the set. Earlier, on 8 October in Oklahoma, Castronovo walked off after only two songs and was taken to hospital; Toomey finished that concert too.

On Thursday night in Cleveland, Journey played with a new drummer, Steve Murphy, and the group later said Murphy would take over the role permanently.

In a message posted to social media, the band explained that after an extensive year of touring, their longtime drummer had chosen to step back and concentrate on personal health matters that need his attention. They offered him their full support, and Castronovo sent his heartfelt thanks to fans for the love, encouragement and kindness he has received. The same note appeared on his personal Facebook page.

Castronovo first joined Journey in 1998, taking over from original drummer Steve Smith, who had left or been fired from the rock band several times over musical disagreements. Castronovo himself was pushed out in 2015 after being charged with assaulting a woman, and he returned to the lineup in 2021.

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Muzland
Added by Frank
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