Journey’s farewell tour took an unexpected turn when drummer Deen Castronovo experienced a medical emergency during the band’s Tulsa concert. The incident happened only two songs into the show and forced the group to pause its performance. Castronovo later went to a hospital as his bandmates addressed the worried crowd. Journey ultimately continued the concert with another drummer behind the kit.
Journey’s Final Frontier tour faced an unexpected medical emergency in Tulsa
Castronovo fell ill during Journey’s Final Frontier show at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Oct. 8. According to TMZ, the drummer left the stage after only two songs.
Keyboardist Jonathan Cain then stepped up to the microphone and told concertgoers that Castronovo had experienced a medical emergency. He called the situation “unfortunate” and asked the audience to keep his bandmate in their prayers.
Footage from the concert captured the band addressing the disruption before continuing the performance.
Minutes later, guitarist Neal Schon returned with another update. He told the crowd that Castronovo was heading to the hospital. Schon also announced that longtime drum tech Steve Toomey would take over for the rest of the concert.
Journey then resumed its set rather than canceling the show. Singer Arnel Pineda also asked fans to pray for Castronovo after returning to the stage.
Still, the band offered some reassurance before the night ended. Schon told the audience that he believed Castronovo would be “fine,” although Journey has not publicly disclosed what caused the medical emergency. TMZ also reported no additional details about his condition immediately after the concert.
The scare came during Journey’s farewell tour, officially titled Final Frontier. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band launched the run as a final North American celebration after more than five decades of performing. The official tour schedule continues with additional dates across North America.
For now, however, it remains unclear whether Castronovo will immediately return behind the drums. Journey’s next scheduled stop is in San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 10.
