Journey drummer Deen Castronovo was taken to hospital after suffering a medical emergency during the band’s Thursday concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
After two songs, Castronovo was taken off the stage, while keyboardist Jonathan Cain explained what was going on.
“We’re going to see what happens as this progresses,” bandmate Jonathan Cain said, according to Tulsa World. “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.”
Guitarist Neal Schon then took the stage and told the crowd that Castronovo was being taken to hospital. Schon, 72, confirmed that the concert would continue with Castronovo’s drum tech filling in for him, according to Ultimate Classic Rock.
“Please give a big hand for (longtime Journey drum tech) Steve Toomey. We’ll be back in about 15 minutes. We love you all, we’re really sorry about the inconvenience,” Schon said.
Lead singer Arnel Pineda then asked the crowd to pray for Castronovo before reassuring them: “He’s gonna be fine. Too much Gatorade,” according to the outlet.
Later in the show, Schon added: “This concert’s for Deen tonight. I’d love you all to pray for him. Everybody’s been going through a lot. I think he’s going to be fine.”
The Independent has contacted Journey’s representatives for comment.
The Eighties band behind mega hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” is currently on the final leg of what is being promoted as their farewell tour, culminating in a homecoming concert in San Francisco in November.
“I’m sure it’s going to be somewhat emotional because that’s where it all started,” Schon told The Associated Press in August. “I know the audience is going to be off the hook.”
The tour’s closing performance in San Francisco will round out more than 100 concerts this year, with the group frequently playing for more than two hours.
“Don’t Stop Believin’,” which was certified 18-times platinum in 2024, has had many resurgences over the years, thanks to the cut-to-black finale of The Sopranos, the TV show Glee, and Brad Pitt movie Moneyball.
“‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ has surpassed our expectations,” Cain told AP. “Every band wishes they had one and we have one. So, I guess that’s our ‘Hey Jude’ calling card. So we’ll take it.”
In addition to Schon, Cain and Castronovo, the current Journey lineup includes singer Pineda, keyboardist Jason Derlatka and bassist Todd Jensen. Cain, Derlatka and Castronovo pick up the mic to give Pineda a break on some songs.
“I like to say Journey is certain music in uncertain times,” Cain said. “Journey is a soundtrack to a lot of people’s lives.”
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