Update on Deen Castronovo's health: Journey's drummer suffers a medical emergency during a concert in Oklahoma

D een Castronovo was hospitalized after suffering a medical emergency during the band's concert in Tulsa , Oklahoma , on Thursday night, forcing the group to interrupt its performance after just two songs. The 62-year-old musician was helped offstage on October 8 at the BOK Center after Journey performed Be Good to Yourself , and Stone in Love before Jonathan Cain then addressed the audience.

The keyboarder apologized for the disruption and asking fans to keep Castronovo in their thoughts whilst Neal Schon returned to the stage approximately 10 minutes later to confirm that the drummer had been taken to the hospital. The band continued the concert with drum technician Steve Toomey stepping in behind the kit, but the incident raised immediate concerns about Castronovo 's condition, however, news is limited. Born in Westminster , California , and raised in Salem , Oregon , Castronovo began playing drums at six years old. His career has extended well beyond Journey, including work with Bad English , Hardline and Ozzy Osbourne , as well as performances alongside Steve Vai , Paul Rodgers and Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath . His contributions to Journey include lead vocals on songs such as Still They Ride ; Mother, Father ; and Keep On Runnin '. He also performed lead vocals on A Better Life and Never Too Late from the album Generations . He has also spoken publicly about his recovery from addiction and said as recently as 2023 that he was “clean and sober” from any substance abuse and was focused on his connection to God and his family.

Journey offer positive update on Deen Castronovo's health

Castronovo has been an important part of Journey 's sound for decades, combining his work behind the drums with occasional lead vocals. He joined the band in 1998 and remained with the group until 2015, returning in July 2021. And although the band has not disclosed the nature of the medical emergency or provided further details about his hospitalization, they did provide an encouraging update to fans as Schon attempted to reassure concertgoers later in the evening. “This concert is for Deen. I think he’s going to be fine,” Schon told the audience, expressing optimism about his bandmate's condition whilst lead singer Arnel Pineda was also positive. “He’s gonna be fine. Too much Gatorade,” Pineda said, offering a message to fans to try to calm any nerves in Oklahoma and beyond. Earlier, Cain had acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation while asking fans for their support. “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, but please… I’m sorry. “Don’t worry. Have your prayers ready. Have your prayers ready for Deen Castronovo, everybody. Thank you.” The comments provided some reassurance to those attending the concert, but they do not establish the cause or severity of Castronovo 's medical emergency. No additional information about his condition has been made public.