He was help off stage just two songs into the band’s set in Tulsa

Journey Drummer Deen Castronova Medical Emergency BOK Center Tulsa 2026
Deen Castronova of Journey [Matt Bishop/The Rock Revival]

Journey drummer Deen Castronovo experienced a medical emergency on stage tonight at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Castronovo was helped off stage just two songs into the band’s set.

“We’re gong to see what happens as this progresses,” keyboardist and guitarist Jonathan Cain said to the crowd. “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.”

Shortly afterward, guitarist Neal Schon returned to the stage with an update.

“He’s (Deen Castronovo) heading to the hospital. We’re going to continue the concert, and Deen’s tech, his drum tech, is going to sit in with us tonight,” Schon explained in a video shared by The Hair Metal Guru, which can be viewed below.

“Please give a big hand for Steve Toomey. We’ll be back in about 15 minutes. We love you all, we’re really sorry about the inconvenience.”

Following a delay of approximately 15 minutes, the band resumed its performance, with frontman Arnel Pineda offering an encouraging update about Castronovo’s condition. 

“He’s gonna be fine. Too much Gatorade,” Pineda told the audience. 

Later in the evening, Schon dedicated the concert to his bandmate, saying, “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.”

Although the exact nature of Castronovo’s medical emergency has not been disclosed, the band’s comments suggested optimism about his recovery. Further details about his condition and whether the incident will affect Journey’s upcoming performances have not yet been announced.

This developing story will be updated.