Journey Just Made Surprising Drummer Swap on Farewell Tour

Two exits mid-show

Castronovo left during the band's show in Boston, following a similar episode in early October in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Longtime Journey drum tech Steve Toomey filled in both times.

After the Tulsa exit, Castronovo returned two nights later. "Deen was back in rare form," Schon wrote on social media at the time. When he disappeared again, fan speculation grew.

By the Cleveland stop at Rocket Arena, Castronovo never took the stage. He had posted a tour photo that morning, but has not commented since.

Who is Steve Murphy

Murphy is a singer and multi-instrumentalist with a New York-area group called the Hitmen. He has posted his own Journey cover songs online.

His most significant résumé item is touring with the Alan Parsons Live Project. He has also worked with Steve Augeri, who first replaced Steve Perry as Journey's frontman in the late 1990s.

Keyboardist Jonathan Cain introduced him mid-show in Cleveland. "We're gonna let you in on a little secret," Cain told the crowd. "This is Steve Murphy's first gig with the band tonight. Can you believe this drummer, right here?"

Murphy also sang Perry's parts on "Just the Same Way" and "Anytime." He is the second tribute performer to share the stage with Journey this year. Steve Perry impersonator Hugo Valenti appeared on two earlier dates in Japan.

Murphy's Hitmen bandmates congratulated him afterward. "We're all so proud," they said.

Dates ahead

Schon said Murphy "will be joining us for the remainder of November." Journey plays Greenville, South Carolina, on Nov. 14, with dates continuing through Nov. 28 in its hometown of San Francisco.

The band also has a makeup date next April at the Stagecoach Festival in California. Journey has not said whether Castronovo will be available by then.