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‘Journey’ Drummer Booted Off Tour: Deen Castronovo Replaced With Omar Hakim

By Jennifer Deutschmann
Published on: 03:54 PST, Jun 22, 2015

Journey’s drummer was booted off their current tour amid accusations of domestic violence. As the band is currently touring Canada and the United States, Deen Castronovo was replaced with Omar Hakim for the remainder of the tour.

Castronovo was arrested at his Oregon home on Sunday, June 14, and charged with assault, coercion, and menacing. Authorities have not identified the victim by name, but she is assumed to be the musician’s girlfriend.

As reported by NME News, Journey’s drummer was released on $20,000 bond. However, as a condition of the bond, Castronovo is forbidden from contacting the victim.

Attorney Jeffrey Jones, who represents Castronovo, said his client was wrongly accused. The musician is expected to enter a plea of not guilty during his next hearing, which is scheduled for June 30.

Ultimate Classic Rock reports Deen Castronovo was arrested on similar charges in 2012. Through a representative, the drummer claimed he and his girlfriend simply had “a misunderstanding that should not have been escalated to such a level in the first place.”

As the misunderstanding reportedly turned physical, the Journey drummer was arrested and charged with assault, coercion, criminal mischief, harassment, and obstructing justice.

Although he denied the charges, Castronovo was found guilty and sentenced to community service. He was further ordered to attend anger management counseling.

As a result of his most recent arrest, Journey’s drummer was booted off their current tour and replaced with Omar Hakim. Deen Castronovo’s history with Journey spans decades. However, Hakim is a diverse and talented musician, with an impressive resume.

A native of New York, New York, Omar Hakim learned how to play the drums when he was 5-years-old. As discussed on his personal website, he began performing live at the age of 10.

As his father was also a musician, Omar spent his formative years working with John Coltrane, Count Basie, Art Blakely, Duke Ellington, and Elvin Jones. At the age of 15, Omar Hakim embarked on his first tour with The Jae Mason Group.

Throughout his career, Hakim has collaborated with Anita Baker, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Bruce Springsteen.

Although a Journey spokesperson confirmed the drummer was booted off the tour and replaced with Hakim, it is unclear whether he will rejoin the band at a later date. In addition to being the band’s touring drummer, Deen Castronovo has appeared on five Journey albums.

[Image via Wikimedia]

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