Updated

Journey announced Friday that drummer Deen Castronovo is leaving the band due to health issues, and that Steve Murphy will be the band's full-time drummer going forward. Castronovo, 62, had to leave two shows mid-concert in just over a month, most recently Tuesday in Boston, where his drum tech Steve Toomey finished the truncated set. The band's statement said Castronovo had decided to step away to focus on personal health matters that require his attention, and that he has its full support. Murphy, from New York, previously worked with Alan Parsons Project, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Christopher Cross and Jack Bruce, and played his first show with Journey in Cleveland on Thursday. Variety reported that Castronovo's earlier departure, on Oct. 8 in Oklahoma, was followed by a hospital stay, and that the band said he had quickly recovered. Castronovo rejoined Journey in 2021 after being forced out in 2015 following an assault charge, to which he later pleaded guilty on six counts. Journey has eight shows left on its 2026 tour, ending Nov. 28 in San Francisco. Variety noted that the band had previously called the tour a farewell tour, but guitarist Neal Schon has said it may continue indefinitely. Castronovo did not comment beyond the band's statement, and Variety reported that he has said someone else oversees his social media accounts.