Journey hire stand-in for Castronovo

Journey have hired a stand-in drummer to cover for Deen Castronovo after his arrest at the weekend.

He’s facing assault charges after an incident in Oregon on Sunday morning.

Omar Hakim – who’s previously worked with Dire Straits, Kate Bush, Sting, Weather Report and others – will be behind the kit for two US shows and a Canadian tour.

Journey say: “We have made the decision to have Omar play, due to Deen Castronovo’s pending issues. We are very grateful to Omar for filling in with his musical excellence.”

Hakim adds: “As a longtime Journey fan, I must say I’m surprised and overwhelmed by the last couple of days. Deen is an amazing drummer and a super-talented singer and my deepest prayers are with my brother. I will do my very best to fill in until everything goes back to normal.”

Castronovo’s side-project Revolution Saints launched their debut album in February. Journey guitarist Neal Schon releases solo title Vortex on June 22.

Journey dates with Hakim

Jun 20: Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl, CA

Jul 04: Provo Stadium Of Fire, UT

Jul 06: Winnipeg MTS Centre, MB

Jul 08: Calgary Fort Calgary, AB

Jul 10: Penticton South Okanagan Events Centre, BC

Jul 11: Vancouver Rogers Arena, BC

Jul 13: Victoria Save On Foods Memorial Coliseum, BC

Jul 15: Prince George CN Centre, BC

Jul 16: Dawson Creek Encana Events Center, BC

Jul 18: Edmonton Northlands Rexall Place, AB

Jul 19: Lethbridge Enmax Centre, AB

Jul 21: Regina Brandt Centre, SK

Jul 22: Saskatoon Sasktel Centre, SK

Jul 25: Hamilton First Ontario Centre, ON

Jul 26: Kingston Rogers K-Rock Centre, ON

Jul 28: Montreal Centre Bell, QB

Jul 30: Moncton Coliseum, NB

Jul 31: Dartmouth Alderney Landing Events Plaza, NS

Aug 02: St Johns Mile One Centre, NL

Aug 03: St Johns Mile One Centre, NL

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Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.