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Deen Castronovo: The Journey Of A Decade, The Career Of A Lifetime

by Mike Haid

During the heyday of metal music in the ’80s, an underground subgenre known as “shred metal” emerged. The shred style focused mainly on high-energy, neo-classical instrumental rock, which required a drummer to be fast, powerful, and technically adept at double bass drumming and odd time signatures.

The Shrapnel recordings became a training ground for Castronovo, fine-tuning his blazing, syncopated double bass chops and incredible hand speed. He brought a higher level of technical expertise to metal drumming, which continues to inspire new generations of metal monsters to this day.

Castronovo’s work on Shrapnel also proved a major springboard for his career, as he went on to work with such big-league artists as Ozzy Osbourne, Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Bad English (featuring John Waite), Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, and Frank Zappa sidekick Steve Vai. All of this major-league action paved the way for Castronovo, in 1998, to land the gig with one of the ’80s’ most successful pop-rock groups, Journey, replacing drumming great Steve Smith–no easy task for any drummer. Ironically, Journey was one of Castronovo’s favorite bands from his youth, and Steve Smith was one of his major drumming influences.

A particularly impressive talent of Castronovo’s is his vocal ability. Deen convincingly sang lead vocals on two tracks from Journey’s 2005 release, Generations . And when former lead vocalist Steve Augeri was experiencing problems with his voice on a recent tour, Castronovo took over the singing on several classic Journey tunes. In fact, Deen’s vocal range is in the same league as former Journey vocal wiz Steve Perry. Don’t believe it? Check out some of the live Journey clips on YouTube. (While you’re there, check out clips of Deen’s over-the-top drumming from his 1992 video, High Performance Drumming .)

It’s immediately clear, upon listening to Castronovo’s library of work on Shrapnel, why he’s considered so influential by today’s metal drummers. Likewise, it’s easy to see, when listening to Castronovo in the pop-rock context of Journey, why he’s kept the gig for a decade. His discipline for pop drumming and his humble, “team player” attitude speak volumes of why he’s still in the driver’s seat.

MD recently spoke with the forty-something Castronovo–who still possesses the exuberance of a giddy teenager–about drums, drumming, and his amazing career.

MD: Many of the new generation of metal drummers cite you as a major influence from the work you did on those Shrapnel recordings.

Deen: That humbles me heavily. I know that many of these young guys that I’ve influenced can dust me! Guys like Chris Adler, Joey Jordison, and Gene Hoglan have taken it to a whole new level.

MD: How did you develop your chops and speed in the early years?

Once I started playing, my mom took me to study with a well-known drum teacher in the area named Mel Brown. I didn’t want to read, I just wanted him to show me how to play the stuff and I could learn by watching. I had a couple of other instructors along the way, but I’m mostly self-taught from listening to records. I then saw Rush opening for KISS, and that was it. Neil Peart became my drum god. While the other kids were out playing sports and dating, I stayed home and learned all of the Rush songs. My ears were my teacher.

Then I got a hold of the Journey live LP, Captured , and that changed everything. When I heard Steve Smith’s solo on that record, it totally changed my life. That’s when I got into fusion like Brand X, UK, and Tony Williams. I couldn’t understand what they were doing, but I could pick up snippets of things–especially from Steve Smith, because his approach was more pop-based. Basically, my chops were built by stealing Steve Smith, Neil Peart, and Terry Bozzio blind. [laughs]

MD: Who were the metal drummers of that era that inspired your need for speed?

MD: What was it like working with Ozzy Osbourne?

Deen: To join Ozzy’s band was a dream come true. It was one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. Then, to get fired was the most heartbreaking thing that ever happened. I was not the same person I am now. And if I were Sharon Osbourne, I would have fired me too. I was a messed up, arrogant punk. I was full of myself. Ozzy mentioned in a magazine interview that I was the best drummer he’d heard since John Bonham. It was all going to my head. It taught me a big lesson in humility. Thank God, soon after that, I straightened my life out, and that’s when Journey called.

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Complete List Of All Journey Current And Former Band Members

Feature Photo: Bruce Alan Bennett / Shutterstock.com

I first fell in love with the band Journey when I was in high school and brought the band’s album Infinity when it was first released. Their record company Columbia Records at the time heavily promoted the album. It was Steve Perry’s first recording with the band and Columbia knew they had a hit on their hands. I was blown away by Steve Perry’s voice and completely floored by how great the songs were on the record. Journey became one of the biggest bands of the seventies. They helped define the term “Stadium Rock.” The band has gone through multiple lineup changes over the years.  This article takes a look at the revolving door of musicians who have come and gone as members of the band Journey .

The Orginal Journey Band Members

Neal Schon, born on February 27, 1954, in Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist for Journey. He was one of the founding members of the band in 1973. Over the years, Schon played a significant role in shaping the band’s sound and has appeared on every Journey album to date, from their self-titled debut album “Journey” (1975) to their most recent releases. He primarily plays the electric guitar but has been known to play acoustic guitar and perform backing vocals as well. Schon co-wrote some of the band’s most iconic songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Wheel in the Sky,” and “Any Way You Want It.” Besides his work with Journey, Neal Schon has had a rich solo career and has also been a part of other bands like Santana and Bad English .

Ross Valory

Ross Valory, born on February 2, 1949, in San Francisco, California, is an American musician renowned for being Journey’s original bass guitarist. He joined the band at its inception in 1973 and contributed to albums like “Journey” (1975), “Infinity” (1978), “Escape” (1981), and many more. Valory played both the bass guitar and occasionally provided backing vocals. He was a part of Journey until he was fired from the band in 2020. Apart from Journey, Valory was involved in the Steve Miller Band and also had a side project called “The Vu.”

Gregg Rolie

Gregg Rolie was born on June 17, 1947, in Seattle, Washington, and is an American keyboardist and singer. He was a founding member of Journey and joined the band in 1973. Rolie played keyboards and was the lead vocalist on the band’s first three albums: “Journey” (1975), “Look into the Future” (1976), and “Next” (1977). He left Journey in 1980 to pursue other musical endeavors. Notably, he was a member of Santana before joining Journey and co-wrote and sang lead vocals on classics like “Black Magic Woman” and “Evil Ways.” After leaving Journey, he went on to form The Gregg Rolie Band and also joined Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band .

George Tickner

George Tickner, born on September 8, 1946, in Syracuse, New York, is an American musician who played rhythm guitar for Journey. He was among the original members when the band was founded in 1973 but left shortly after the release of the band’s self-titled debut album in 1975. Tickner contributed to the writing of some early songs but didn’t stay with the band long enough to participate in the more commercial phases of Journey’s career. After leaving Journey, Tickner largely retired from professional music to pursue a career in medicine.

Charles “Prairie” Prince

Charles “Prairie” Prince, born on May 7, 1950, in Charlotte, North Carolina, was the original drummer for Journey when the band was formed in 1973. However, he never officially recorded with the band and left before their debut album was made. He is best known for his work with The Tubes , a San Francisco-based rock band. Though his time with Journey was short-lived, Prince has had a significant career in music, working with artists like Todd Rundgren, and Jefferson Starship, and as a session musician for various other artists.

The Next Phase and Beyond

Aynsley dunbar.

Aynsley Dunbar, born on January 10, 1946, in Liverpool, England, is a British drummer known for his work with various rock and blues bands. He joined Journey in 1974, shortly after the band’s formation, and played on the albums “Journey” (1975), “Look into the Future” (1976), and “Next” (1977). Dunbar’s jazz-influenced drumming style added a unique element to Journey’s early sound. He left the band in 1978 before the band shifted to a more mainstream, commercial sound. Apart from Journey, Dunbar has had an extensive career, playing with artists like Frank Zappa, David Bowie, and Whitesnake.

Robert Fleischman

Robert Fleischman, born on March 11, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, is an American musician who briefly served as Journey’s lead vocalist in 1977. Though he never appeared on any studio albums with Journey, he contributed to songwriting and is credited with co-writing songs like “Wheel in the Sky.” Fleischman was replaced by Steve Perry later in the same year he joined. Outside of Journey, Fleischman had a solo career and was a member of other rock bands like Vinnie Vincent Invasion.

Steve Perry

Steve Perry , born on January 22, 1949, in Hanford, California, is an American singer known for his soaring vocals. He joined Journey in 1977 and quickly became the band’s iconic lead vocalist. Steve Perry played a significant role in Journey’s commercial success and was a key contributor to albums like “Infinity” (1978), “Evolution” (1979), “Escape” (1981), among others. He co-wrote and sang some of Journey’s most famous songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms.” Perry left the band in 1998 due to health issues and to pursue a solo career, which itself has been highly successful, featuring hits like “Oh Sherrie.”

Steve Smith

Steve Smith, born on August 21, 1954, in Whitman, Massachusetts, is an American drummer. He joined Journey in 1978, replacing Aynsley Dunbar, and played on some of their most successful albums like “Evolution,” “Escape,” and “Frontiers.” Known for his technical skill, Smith left the band in 1985 but returned for various stints, the latest being from 2015 to 2020. Outside of Journey, Smith has had a rich career in jazz and has been part of his own jazz fusion band, Vital Information.

Randy Jackson

Randy Jackson, born on June 23, 1956, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is an American musician, best known as a judge on the television show “American Idol.” He joined Journey as a bass player for a short stint during the mid-1980s and played on the 1986 album “Raised on Radio.” Jackson was part of the band’s transition towards a more pop-oriented sound during that period. Besides Journey, he has been an in-demand session musician and has produced and performed with a wide array of artists across genres.

Steve Augeri

Steve Augeri, born on January 30, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American rock singer best known for his work as the lead vocalist for Journey from 1998 to 2006. He was brought in as a replacement for Steve Perry and featured on albums like “Arrival” (2001) and “Generations” (2005). Augeri co-wrote songs for the band but had to leave in 2006 due to vocal issues. Outside of Journey, he has been involved in other bands like Tyketto and has also embarked on a solo career.

Jeff Scott Soto

Jeff Scott Soto, born on November 4, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American singer who served as Journey’s lead vocalist for a brief period from 2006 to 2007. He stepped in following Steve Augeri’s departure due to vocal issues but was in the band for less than a year. Though his time with Journey was short-lived, he did perform live with the band during that period. Outside of Journey, Soto has a prolific career, having been a part of bands like Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force and Talisman, as well as a successful solo career.

Deen Castronovo

Deen Castronovo, born on August 17, 1964, in Westminster, California, is an American drummer and vocalist. He joined Journey in 1998, replacing Steve Smith, and contributed to albums like “Arrival” (2001), “Generations” (2005), and “Eclipse” (2011). Besides playing drums, Castronovo also performed backing and some lead vocals during his time with the band. He left Journey in 2015 amidst personal issues. Beyond Journey, he has played with bands like Bad English and Hardline and is known for his work in various other musical projects.

Narada Michael Walden

Narada Michael Walden, born on April 23, 1952, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is an American musician, producer, and songwriter. He joined Journey as a drummer in 2020, replacing Steve Smith. Known for his diverse skill set across genres, Walden has a rich career outside of his time with Journey. He’s a multi-Grammy Award-winning producer and has worked with a myriad of artists including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Aretha Franklin.

Arnel Pineda

Arnel Pineda, born on September 5, 1967, in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines, is a Filipino singer and songwriter. He became the lead vocalist for Journey in 2007, discovered by Neal Schon through YouTube videos of Pineda covering Journey songs. He made his studio debut with the band on the 2008 album “Revelation” and has remained with the band since. Outside of Journey, Pineda had been a part of several bands in the Philippines and has a solo career as well.

Jason Derlatka

Jason Derlatka, born on September 8, 1972, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an American keyboardist, vocalist, and composer. He joined Journey in 2020 as a touring keyboardist and background vocalist. Though he hasn’t been featured on any studio albums with the band yet, he brings a wide range of musical experience to Journey. Derlatka has worked extensively in television, composing music for series like “House” and “Parenthood.”

Todd Jensen

Todd Jensen, born on October 19, 1965, in Portland, Oregon, is an American bassist. Though he never officially recorded with Journey, Jensen was involved as a touring member following Ross Valory’s departure in 2020. Known for his versatility, he has played with various artists and bands spanning multiple genres, including David Lee Roth, Ozzy Osbourne, and Alice Cooper.

Complete List Of All Journey Current And Former Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

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About the author.

Brian Kachejian

Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.

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Ross Halfin

Fans are in for a rock of ages next summer. 

On Thursday, rock legends Def Leppard and Journey announced they’re hitting the road on a co-headlining stadium tour. The ‘80s favorites, who previously teamed up on a 2018 joint tour, will be setting out across North America in summer 2024 — and they’re making it a show classic rock fans will remember by bringing along fellow icons Cheap Trick , Heart and Steve Miller Band on select dates.

The 23-city tour begins on July 6 in St. Louis, Missouri and continues through Sept. 8 when they wrap up in Denver, Colorado. Along the way, the two Rock and Hall of Fame inductees will bring their show to stadiums in major cities like Chicago, Nashville, Boston, Toronto, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and more. 

Courtesy Journey

Cheap Trick will help kick off and close out the tour, while Steve Miller Band will play the majority of shows and Heart will join them on three dates. 

The tour comes after the “Pour Some Sugar on Me” band played another nostalgic tour throughout 2023 with fellow heavy metal group Mötley Crüe . 

While the band featuring frontman Joe Elliott , drummer Rick Allen, guitarist Vivian Campbell, guitarist Phil Collen and bassist Rick Savage and is set to play their fan-favorite hits, their recent run of shows follows the 2022 release of their 12th studio album Diamond Star Halos . 

As for the “Don’t Stop Believin’” group, they’ll join up with Def Leppard after playing their Freedom Tour , which celebrates their 50th anniversary as a band and the recent release of 2022’s Freedom . The six-piece made up of keyboardist Jonathan Cain, drummer Deen Castronovo, keyboardist Jason Derlatka, bassist Todd Jensen, guitarist Neal Schon, vocalist Arnel Pineda first kicked off the Freedom Tour back in 2022 and they'll play its last leg across North America in 2024 from February to late April.

The Def Leppard frontman, 64, shared a statement in a press release about the upcoming tour. “DEF LEPPARD and JOURNEY will be reuniting and hitting the road together for the Summer Stadium Tour with Steve Miller, Cheap Trick & Heart on select shows, which makes for an amazing night of music !”

The “Love Bites” singer continued, “Having just completed a sensational 18 month run promoting our Diamond Star Halos album, we shall hit the boards running with a brand-new stage show and set of songs that will celebrate specific parts of our history.  We may even have a surprise or two up our sleeves … so, wanna join us !??! … See you in the summer !”

Never miss a story — sign up for  PEOPLE's free daily newsletter  to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Journey also shared a joint statement about the 2024 shows. “We are thrilled to be back on the road in 2024 with so many good friends as part of this tour. No matter which city you come to this will be an amazing night of music!” the rockers said. 

Two presales kick off the ticket sales to Def Leppard and Journey’s summer 2024 tour. An official fan presale begins on Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. ET, which fans can sign up for at www.defleppardjourney2024.com now. A presale for Citi cardmembers will then follow on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. local time. On Dec. 15, the general on sale will launch at 10 a.m. local time. 

Various VIP packages will be available on select dates. 

See the full list of tour dates below. 

Jul. 6 – St Louis, MO – Busch Stadium*

Jul.10 – Orlando, FL – Camping World Stadium*

Jul. 13 – Atlanta, GA – Truist Park^

Jul. 15 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field^

Jul. 18 – Detroit, MI – Comerica Park^

Jul. 20 – Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium^

Jul. 23 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park^

Jul. 25 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium^

Jul. 27 – Pittsburgh, PA – PNC Park^

Jul. 30 – Cleveland, OH – Progressive Field~

Aug. 2 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre~

Aug. 5 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park~

Aug. 7 – Flushing, NY – Citi Field^

Aug. 12 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field^

Aug. 14 – Houston, TX – Minute Maid Park^

Aug. 16 – San Antonio, TX – Alamodom^

Aug. 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Field^

Aug. 23 – Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field^

Aug. 25 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium^

Aug. 28 – San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park^

Aug. 30 – San Diego, CA – Petco Park^

Sep. 4 – Seattle, WA – T-Mobile Park*

Sep. 8 – Denver, CO – Coors Field*

*with support from Cheap Trick

^with support from Steve Miller Band

~with support from Heart

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Vegas drummer back after onstage heart attack

Johnny Friday felt like an elephant was standing on his chest. He finished the gig anyway.

Johnny Friday and Rob Mader are musicians. They are not doctors. But Mader, a sax virtuoso, told Friday a few weeks ago, “Music saved your life.”

Friday’s doctor told him the same thing.

“Music saved my life. How about that?” Friday says. “They were right.”

Friday is the thunderous drummer and horsepower behind Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns. He originally joined the band about 30 years ago, then took off to perform around the world. He returned to full-time duty with the acclaimed 16-piece band about six years ago.

Well-known and highly regarded on the Las Vegas music scene, the 60-year-old musician has been a coveted touring musician, backing Natalie Cole, Arturo Sandoval and Chick Corea among many international artists. Friday also lived in L.A. for about 25 years and performed in the house band for the Emmy Awards show, People’s Choice Awards, “American Idol,” “The Chevy Chase Show” and Bonnie Hunt’s daytime talk show. He’s the drummer for the music in Clint Eastwood’s movies “The Mule” and “Jewel” and several TV commercials.

Even with that impressive resume, Friday stays in the background. He’s noticed only when you hear his slamming beat, akin to a pack of M-80s exploding onstage. But Friday’s consistency belied what doctors call a serious medical “episode” the night of June 13.

Friday had just returned from tour swing with Filipino star and Vegas favorite Martin Nievera, scrambling to the show in the same clothes he’d worn on the plane because his luggage had been lost.

Typical night in showbiz, in other words.

About four songs into the opening set, Friday says, “All of a sudden, I felt like an elephant was standing on my chest.”

That seems the default description for anyone suffering a serious heart attack, especially drummers. Pepe Jimenez used it when he suffered a similar onstage incident last year, while rehearsing with David Perrico and the Raiders House Band at Allegiant Stadium. In a wild artistic and medical coincidence, Jimenez was Santa Fe’s drummer until Friday returned to the band in full-time in 2017.

Friday knew something was wrong as he struggled to breathe while front man Jerry Lopez spoke to the crowd after the opening songs. “I literally was (makes heavy wheezing sound), trying to catch some air. But Jerry talked long enough for me to calm myself down,” Friday says. “And, I was drinking a bunch of water, pacing myself, playing 100 percent instead of 1,000 percent.”

Friday had finished playing the band’s Earth Wind & Fire medley, followed by the Santa Fe originals “The Answer” and “Dat Greazy Thang,” a challenging stretch for even a healthy drummer.

Friday finished the show, then packed his equipment and drove himself to Henderson Hospital’s emergency room. In another piece of unfortunate timing, Friday’s wife, Mary, was on a cruise with a girlfriend she’d planned in 2019 and had been postponed three times because of COVID-19. She was, in fact, trapped on a ship at sea.

But it was Mary’s health insurance, through Grainger commercial and industrial equipment supply company, that has almost totally offset the couple’s $250,000 (and climbing) medical bills.

“Later, afterward, when everyone learned what happened, they thought I was crazy for finishing the gig,” Friday says. “But the doctor told me, ‘You saved your own life.’ And I’m like, ‘Doc, what are you talking about?’”

The drummer’s characteristically aerobic playing style kept the beat, for the band and for Friday.

“So the doctor goes, ‘The type of heart attack you had, most people are sitting on the couch watching TV,’ and if I had been doing that, I would have been a done deal,” Friday says. “The fact that I was exerting myself, keeping my heart pumping, kept the blood flowing and actually saved my life.”

Friday’s test results were at once disquieting and predictable for anyone who had this elephant-chest sensation. He would undergo open-heart, quadruple-bypass surgery on June 16, three days after the show. He spent about two weeks in the hospital, and several more in physical therapy, gradually working his way back to the stage.

Friday’s first performance back for any show was the Aug. 6 Daniel Emmet-Pia Toscano performance at Westgate’s International Theater (the night David Foster popped into the show, unbilled).

Friday then returned to Santa Fe’s show at the Copa Room at Bootlegger Bistro last Monday, about two months to the day of the surgery.

“I kind of worked up my stamina up to play with Santa Fe,” Friday says. “If I had tried to go from my couch directly to Santa Fe, I would be back in the hospital.”

Friday and Jimenez bonded over their shared medical conditions.

“Pepe called me afterwards, and gave me a heads up how you — how I’m — gonna feel, how the physical therapy is going to go and this and that,” Friday says. “So I tease him now, because he only had a triple bypass. I tell him, ‘You’re not a man until you have a quadruple bypass!’ But you know, he’s been such a sweetheart through all of this, and we have that shared history in Santa Fe.”

The message from Jimenez, and now Friday, is to simply pay attention to your health. Visit the doctor. Take medical advice and directives seriously. Friday has never experienced high blood pressure, he doesn’t drink or smoke. He doesn’t even eat red meat.

“When something like this happens, it puts a fine point on it,” Friday says. “I’m fine, I’m getting better every day. It’s a slow process, you can’t rush it. But I’ll tell you, I’m listening to my body, and I’m taking nothing for granted.”

Cool Hang Alert

We had thought — no, feared — live music at the Dispensary Lounge on 2451 E. Tropicana Ave. would be a COVID-19 casualty. Not so. The place is humming along, again, with Windy Cariganes scheduled 9 p.m.-midnight with Joey Melotti (you know him from the Barry Manilow band) on keys, Boris Shapiro on drums, and Brian Bissell on guitar. No cover. Try the cheeseburger special.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts . Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.

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Kansas Drummer Phil Ehart Recovering from Major Heart Attack

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The post Kansas Drummer Phil Ehart Recovering from Major Heart Attack appeared first on Consequence .

Phil Ehart, the original and longstanding drummer of classic rockers Kansas , recently suffered a major heart attack. While he’s stepping away from performing for the time being, he will continue his role as the band’s manager.

Eric Holmquist, who has filled in for Ehart previously, will man the drum kit when Kansas’ ongoing 50th anniversary tour resumes March 1st in Richmond, Virginia. The North American leg is scheduled through a May 18th show in New Haven, Connecticut, with tickets available here .

Kansas issued the following statement on Friday morning (February 23rd):

“Kansas original drummer and band manager, Phil Ehart, is taking time away from touring as drummer for Kansas while he recovers after recently surviving a major heart attack. There is no timetable for his return to the road. While not on the road, Phil is remaining in a prominent role with Kansas during his recovery, serving as band manager, as he has done for 40 years.

Eric Holmquist will be on drums for Kansas starting with the March 1, 2024, concert in Richmond, VA. Holmquist has filled in for Ehart on drums when Phil was ill in 2016, during Phil’s arm rehabilitation in 2022-2023, and has been performing the first half of shows during the Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour. Previously, Eric was Phil’s drum tech and protegé for more than 20 years. Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road continues March 1, 2024, in Richmond, VA. A complete list of tour dates can be found at kansasband.com. The band Kansas carries on, adding more tour dates in 2024 and beyond.”

Ehart has been Kansas’ drummer for 50-plus years, joining guitarist Rich Williams as the only remaining classic members of the band. He’s played drums on all of their big hits, including “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.”

Get Kansas Tickets Here

See Kansas statement regarding Phil Ehart below.

Kansas Drummer Phil Ehart Recovering from Major Heart Attack Spencer Kaufman

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Legendary rock band member has major heart attack, will miss tour

• Updated: Feb. 27, 2024, 4:18 p.m. |
• Published: Feb. 26, 2024, 9:30 a.m.

FILE - From left, manager Budd Carr, drummer Phil Ehart and vocalist and violinist Robert E. “Robby” Steinhardt, of Kansas, with director Charley Randazzo arrive at the 30th Santa Barbara International Film Festival Montecito Award ceremony on Jan. 30, 2015, in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File) Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

• David Cifarelli | [email protected]

A founding member of the legendary rock band Kansas is missing part of the band’s tour after suffering a heart attack.

Phil Ehart, 73, who is the original drummer and band manager of Kansas, is taking time away from touring to recover, the band wrote on X last Friday .

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“While not on the road, Phil is remaining in a prominent role with Kansas during his recovery, serving as band manager, as he has done for 40 years,” the band added. “There is no timetable for his return to the road.”

Eric Holmquist, who has previously filled in for Ehart, has been performing the first half of the Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour . Holmquist will continue to take Ehart’s place when the tour resumes on March 1.

• Read More: Award-winning country music singer and ‘Hee Haw’ actress dead at 85

Founded in Topeka, Kansas in 1974, Kansas has established itself as one of the most iconic classic rock bands in the country.

The band has produced the multi-platinum hits “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind”in addition to eight gold albums, three sextuple-platinum albums and one platinum live album.

• Read More: Here’s why a country music legend’s granddaughter cried on ‘American Idol’

The band’s 50th Anniversary Tour will continue in Richmond, Virginia on Friday, March 1 and end in New Haven, Connecticut on Saturday, May 18. Tickets for the tour can be found on Vivid Seats and Stubhub .

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KIX Drummer's Vital Signs Are 'Good' And He Is 'Awake' And 'Talking' After Suffering Suspected Heart Attack

KIX drummer Jimmy "Chocolate" Chalfant has been hospitalized and "is currently in the best hands possible" after suffering a suspected heart attack during the band's concert Friday night (November 18).

The incident occurred at the first show of what was scheduled to be KIX 's two-night stand at the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg, Virginia with openers AMERICAN JETSET .

Just before 11:00 a.m. EST today (Saturday, November 19),  KIX 's touring guitarist Bob Paré released the following statement via his Facebook page: "In the effort to avoid any misinformation, with regard to Jimmy 's condition- we left the hospital around 2 am. He was awake, talking, even joking a bit, and his vitals were good. He is currently in the best hands possible.

"Without a doubt, it was a very dire, scary, and serious situation. No further details are known at this time.

"Please keep both Jim and Cathy in your prayers. The Band will issue a formal statement in the future."

One source who was involved with last night's concert told Metal Sludge : "He ( Jimmy Chalfant ) was carried off and we're waiting on a final word from paramedics." The source added: "It happened right after his drum solo. It was crazy. The ambulance was there within two minutes."

A couple of KIX fans who attended last night's gig shared videos on Facebook , with one person writing: "Please keep Jimmy from KIX in your thoughts. He just collapsed at the KIX show encore at the Talley Ho. No pulse and lots of CPR etc. Amazing show tonight. I hope it wasn't his last." A second fan added: "I was just watching KIX live at Tally-Ho in Leesburg, VA. The drummer Jimmy Chalfant collapsed on stage just before the start of the last song. Lights came on, 911 was called and the show was over. Prayers for Jimmy ."

Back in September 2021, Chalfant suffered a heart attack at his home and was rushed to the hospital. He had immediate surgery to insert two stents in his heart then another surgery the next day for another stent.

KIX was founded in 1977 and released its first, self-titled album on Atlantic Records more than 40 years ago. Their breakthrough came with 1988's "Blow My Fuse" , which sold nearly a million copies, thanks to "Don't Close Your Eyes" . The band continued to ride the hard-rock wave until 1995, when KIX took a hiatus. Nearly 10 years later, KIX reunited and started touring regionally. A 2008 performance at the Rocklahoma festival led to more gigs and the release of a live DVD/CD called "Live In Baltimore" in 2012. In 2014, KIX released its seventh full-length album, "Rock Your Face Off" , the band's first studio effort since 1995's "Show Business" .

In the effort to avoid any misinformation, with regard to Jimmy's condition- we left the hospital around 2 am. He was... Posted by Bob Paré on  Saturday, November 19, 2022

Please keep your prayers Kix Drummer collapsed in middle of set was taken out In ambo Posted by Arthur Starbird on Friday, November 18, 2022

One of my most favorite rock bands, iconic KIX at Tally Ho tonight! Yeah! 🥳💃🎶 Posted by Lisa Espada on Friday, November 18, 2022

I was just watching Kix live at Tally-Ho in Leesburg, VA. The drummer Jimmy Chalfant collapsed on stage just before the... Posted by Jim Ochoa on  Friday, November 18, 2022

KIX - Cold Blood Posted by Jeff Bradford on Friday, November 18, 2022

Please keep Jimmy from Kix in your thoughts. He just collapsed at the Kix show encore at the Talley Ho. No pulse and lots of CPR etc. Amazing show tonight. I hope it wasn’t his last. Posted by Scott Dickens on Friday, November 18, 2022

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Stand Your Ground

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The Journey will never end

The first album with Johan on vocals, called “Helluva Time,” turned out to be a great success. It features the band’s version of “Paid My Dues,” which was originally performed by Anastacia. The album was released on Frontiers Records and became a milestone in Jaded Heart’s history. Barish left the band in 2005 due to personal circumstances, and Swedish guitarist Peter Östros joined the band in 2006. They recorded two more albums with this lineup: “Sinister Mind” in 2007 and “Perfect Insanity” in 2009.

Their critically acclaimed 10th album, “Common Destiny,” was released in spring 2012, followed by extensive touring, including a support slot for Queensryche and touring in Japan in 2010 and 2013. The band released the CD/DVD “Live In Cologne” in late 2013.

After longtime drummer Axel Kruse left the band in 2014, the band recruited their friends Masahiro Eto on guitar and Bodo Stricker on drums. After a successful European tour with Masterplan, Jaded Heart released their 11th full-length album, “Fight The System,” in September, followed by the Wacken Roadshows in Europe.

During a Spain tour and summer festival appearances, including Sweden’s Väsby Rock Festival, Jaded Heart started demoing new songs and entered the Performance Studio in Frankfurt in 2015. In spring 2016, the band signed a new record deal with Massacre Records and returned with their 12th full-length album, “Guilty By Design.” This album features their live hymn “No Reason” and up-tempo headbangers like “Godforsaken.”

The next album, “Devil’s Gift,” was released on March 30, 2018, and reached the top 10 of the German Metal Charts. The follow-up album, “Stand Your Ground,” was released worldwide on November 27, 2020, via Massacre Records/Soulfood Distribution.

Masa Eto switched to a background team member role due to personal reasons. The new album, “Heart Attack,” was released on October 14, 2022, and includes two singles: “Heart Attack” and “Blood Red Skies.” Their song “Heart Attack” was co-written by Rupert Keplinger (Eisbrecher, Lord of the Lost, and many more). Get it here: HEART ATTACK

LINE-UP Johan Fahlberg – Vocals Peter Östros – Guitars Michael Müller – Bass Bodo Stricker – Drums

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Brit Turner, Drummer for Blackberry Smoke, Dead at 57

By Joseph Hudak

Joseph Hudak

Brit Turner, the drummer and a founding member of the Southern rock & roll band Blackberry Smoke , died Sunday. He was 57. Turner was diagnosed with glioblastoma — a cancer of the brain — and underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor in November 2022. The band confirmed his death in a post on social media.

“It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform everyone that our brother @britturner13 has moved on from this life. If you had the privilege of knowing Brit on any level, you know he was the most caring, empathetic, driven and endearing person one could ever hope to meet,” the band wrote . “Brit was Blackberry Smoke’s True North, the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band.”

Turner — born in Mt. Clemons, Michigan, and raised in Smyrna, Georgia — was the heart and soul of Blackberry Smoke, a gregarious presence with a long beard, wild hair, and boisterous laugh. His comic timing rivaled the beat he kept behind the kit too. When Rolling Stone pointed out that the words “Rock & Roll” were written on Turner’s kick drum in a 2015 interview about the group’s success on the country music charts, Turner shot back, “I have another one that says ‘Country.’”

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But growing up in the 1980s, Turner became enamored of a different genre: listening to — and learning to play — the hard rock and heavy metal of AC/DC, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden. In 1988, he formed the thrash-metal band Nihilist with his brother Richard Turner on bass. Eventually, the sibling rhythm section returned to the sounds of their native South and founded Blackberry Smoke with singer-guitarist Charlie Starr and guitarist Paul Jackson. Keyboardist Brandon Still joined soon after. “After I got heavy metal out of my system, it was on to straight up rock and roll, Americana, Southern rock, and traditional country,” Turner said.

The band had their first major success in 2009 with “Good One Comin’ On,” a song written by David Lee Murphy, Lee Roy Parnell, and Gary Nicholson that appeared on Blackberry Smoke’s Little Piece of Dixie album. In 2012, they released The Whippoorwill LP on Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Records and cracked the Top 10 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. But the group had its major breakthrough in 2015 when the album Holding All the Roses , featuring songs like “Too High” and “Rock and Roll Again,” debuted at Number One on the country charts.

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Turner continued to tour with Blackberry Smoke after recovering from brain surgery in 2022 but was forced to miss some concerts due to his health. In December, the band announced that Turner would be sitting out a string of shows to continue treatment for glioblastoma and that drummer Kent Aberle would be on the stool.

Backstage at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in 2015, Turner tried to explain the surprise success of Blackberry Smoke, a rough-looking band that pounded on drums, slashed at guitars, and sang with a twang in the era of highly produced country and pop stars. The drummer chalked it up to building a fan base one show at a time — and never going through the motions. “It’s a good solid climb,” Turner said. “We work hard and we see results.”

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AC/DC’s Phil Rudd Suffered a Heart Attack

Although Phil Rudd ’s legal problems of the past few years caused him to give up drugs , his years of partying recently caught up to him. In a new interview, the former AC/DC drummer revealed that he had a heart attack a few weeks ago.

"I was just at home walking around at home, and I started feel, well just funny,” he told the Bay of Plenty Times . “You know how you can feel funny? I had a strange pain in my chest. So my housekeeper took me to the hospital, when they hooked me up and did all these tests turned out I had a big heart attack ... my artery was all blocked up, and they said I had to stay in and have an operation."

A stent was inserted, which he said was “weird, because they shave your man parts, but they put it in your arm. All I have is a tiny scar in my wrist. And my hair has grown back too so I am all good, I am healthy and got so much color in my cheeks."

With that, the 62-year-old Rudd declared himself “ready to rock” and “fired up” for his next adventure, which includes a European tour and a masterclass at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, which was founded by Paul McCartney . But even a brush with death couldn’t get Rudd to fully commit to a healthy lifestyle.

"I sneaked out to the shop to get some cigarettes,” he said, “then I realized I had no car, so I walked home to get the Ferrari, and drove back to the hospital."

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Kansas drummer Phil Ehart recovering from heart attack

R. Diamond/Getty Images

A message on the band's Facebook page says there's currently "no timetable for his recovery." It adds, "While not on the road, Phil is remaining in a prominent role with Kansas during his recovery, serving as band manager, as he has done for 40 years."

Kansas' next show is happening Friday, March 1, in Richmond, Virginia. A complete list of dates can be found at kansasband.com .

Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Blackberry Smoke drummer Brit Turner hospitalised after heart attack

Brit Turner suffered the heart attack while at home at the weekend - Blackberry Smoke thank fans for "understanding, support, and prayers"

Blackberry Smoke drummer Brit Turner has been hospitalised after suffering a heart attack. 

In a statement on social media, the band say, "Brother and drummer, Brit Turner suffered a serious heart attack. He was home in Atlanta and was able to make it to the hospital in time for doctors to provide him as much help as possible. He received a stent in his coronary artery and is now in stable condition. He and his family appreciate privacy as he recovers."

The band have postponed their performance this evening (August 16) at the St. Louis Music Park with Jamey Johnson and Ella Langley. Tickets for the show will be valid for the rescheduled date, which will take place on September 13.

The band will resume their Rasslin' is Real 2022 Tour this Thursday at WAVE in Wichita, KS. "We will perform acoustic shows until Brit is able to rejoin the tour," they say. "We thank you all for your understanding, support, and prayers."

Blackberry Smoke have also announced a series of dates to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their album The Whipoorwill , released in 2012 in the US and in The UK two years later. Full 2022 dates below. 

To celebrate the anniversary, the band are releasing a series of demo tracks pulled from the original sessions, with Pretty Little Lie and One Horse Town out now, and Ain't Got the Blues and Up The Road to follow later this week. 

Blackberry Smoke 2022 tour dates

Aug 18: Wichita WAVE, KS Aug 19: Camdenton Ozarks Amphitheater, MO Aug 20: Little Rock First Security Amphitheater, AR Aug 21: Brandon Brandon Amphitheater, MS Aug 23: Southaven Landers Center, MS Aug 25: Franklin FirstBank Amphitheater, TN Aug 26: Raliegh Red Hat Amphitheater, NC Aug 27: Charlotte Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre, NC Aug 28: Greensboro White Oak Amphitheater, NC Sep 01: Anderson Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center, SC Sep 02: Doswell The Meadow Event Park, VA Sep 03: North Charleston Firefly Distillery, SC Sep 04: Portsmouth Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, VA Sep 08: Pittsburgh Stage AE, PA Sep 09: Sterling Heights Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, MI Sep 10: Pikeville Appalachian Wireless Arena, KY Sep 11: Columbus KEMBA Live!, OH Sep 17: Burnsville Buck Hill, MN Sep 23: Birmingham Avondale Brewing Company, AL Sep 24: Black Mountain Silverados, NC Sep 30: Lacygne Firewater Music Festival, KS Oct 01: Lampe Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater, MO Oct 07: Cleveland TempleLive at Cleveland Masonic, OH Oct 08: Cincinnati Riverfront Live, OH Oct 15: Key West Legends of Music Row Festival, FL Oct 28: Knoxville River Breeze Event Center, TN Oct 29: Bristol Paramount Center for the Arts, TN Nov 10: Austin Emo's, TX Nov 11: Houston 713 Music Hall, TX Nov 12: Oklahoma City Paycom Center, OK Nov 13: San Antonio The Aztec Theater, TX Nov 17: Peoria Peoria Civic Center Theater, IL Nov 18: Rockford Coronado Performing Arts Center, IL Nov 19: Shipshewana Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, IN Nov 20: Indianapolis Murat Theatre at Old National Center, IN Nov 25: Atlanta Fox Theatre, GA Dec 02: Silver Spring The Fillmore Silver Spring, MD Dec 06: Glenside Keswick Theatre, PA Dec 07: Boston House of Blues, MA Dec 09: Ithaca State Theatre of Ithaca, NY Dec 10: New York Webster Hall, NY Dec 16: Chicago Vic Theatre, IL

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Online Editor at Louder/Classic Rock magazine since 2014. 38 years in music industry, online for 25. Also bylines for: Metal Hammer, Prog Magazine, The Word Magazine, The Guardian, The New Statesman, Saga, Music365. Former Head of Music at Xfm Radio, A&R at Fiction Records, early blogger, ex-roadie, published author. Once appeared in a Cure video dressed as a cowboy, and thinks any situation can be improved by the introduction of cats. Favourite Serbian trumpeter: Dejan Petrović.  

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