Journey drummer hospitalized after onstage medical emergency: 'Have your prayers ready'

Journey fans were left stunned on October 8 when the band's drummer, Deen Castronovo, suffered a medical emergency during their concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

The musician was rushed to the hospital mid-performance after being helped off stage by crew members. 

The scary incident happened just two songs into the set at the BOK Center forcing the band to regroup behind the scenes. 

Fans were shocked as the concert was paused 

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Keyboardist Jonathan Cain returned to the stage to address the anxious crowd and explain the sudden disruption.

"We're going to see what happens as this progresses," he told the audience. "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 afterwards the lead guitarist, Neal Schon, stepped out to offer a clearer update on Deen's health and the evening's plans. He confirmed that the drummer was headed directly to a local hospital for evaluation.

The show must go on

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Tulsa World reported the news and footage of the moments afterwards were shared on X. 

Despite the worry, the group decided to press on with the help of Deen's longtime drum technician, Steve Toomey, who stepped in for the remainder of the concert.

"We're going to continue the concert, and Deen's tech is going to sit in with us tonight," Neal announced. "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."

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When the performance resumed, lead singer Arnel Pineda provided an encouraging update on their bandmate. "We ask for your prayers for our brother Deen Castronovo," before — according to Ultimate Classic Rock —  he lightheartedly added: "He's gonna be fine. Too much Gatorade."

Later in the night, Neal dedicated the rest of the performance to Deen and told the venue: "This concert's for Deen tonight. I think he's going to be fine."

Deen first joined Journey in 1998, and returned to the lineup in 2021. While the band has expressed optimism, no official update on his condition has been released.