Grand jury indicts Journey drummer Deen Castronovo on rape c

[Memorex]

The only circumstances in which Deen should be permanently replaced as Journey's drummer are if he's found guilty of rape. Or if Journey were already trying to get Steve Smith back in the band (Which was being reported by some) before this latest arrest.

He should not be replaced simply because it doesn't look good for the band, even though he was found not guilty.

This is a short-sighted view. These kinds of things can be very destructive. I don't think rape should be the bar. This is a band that prides itself on playing to kids as well as senior citizens. and a LOT of women. If it was only drugs, I can see a little rallying unless it became a problem over and over. But we are talking about violence and harassment against women. That would not play well with Journey's audience. And if you think Journey is going to sit back and let one person eat away at the success they have built over the last many years, you are crazy. They stood by him the first time, but this is too much, in my opinion. No one wants to see Journey become the poster band for supporting this kind of behavior and giving voice to some movement/boycott. They went from barely filling 2500 seat places in 98 to being one of the biggest touring acts today. No way they let that crumble. Nor should they.

What I'm saying is that unless it's proven that he did rape her, he should not be removed from the band over an allegation that may be false. Anyone can make any claim against anyone. It doesn't mean that the claim is true.

Like I said, I don't know if he's guilty or innocent. Only he and his wife know that for sure.

No one should ever lose there job because of an unproven allegation.

I don't doubt in the slightest that Journey (Especially Cain) will dump him from the band over the "bad publicity" that this may bring to the band. I'm just saying that he shouldn't be kicked out of the band if he's found not guilty.

There are more important things than money. And if it comes out that Deen is not guilty of rape, then the band should have his back, even if it does result in them selling a few less (Or even far fewer) tickets or CD's

A few of your comments seem to indicate that you feel that Deen definitely did either rape or otherwise physically abuse his wife. But we don't know that for sure. It would be wrong for anyone to want anyone to be punished for something that they are innocent of. Even if there's a shortsighted and self-righteous group of people out there who are ready to convict the man in their minds without any evidence of his having done what he is accused of. And if those people refuse to go to a Journey concert, or to buy a Journey CD. Then the band SHOULD tell them to kiss their ass. Even though they probably wont.

What I am saying is that there is most likely cause for the charges. You keep saying rape, rape, rape. I'm not even talking about that. I have no idea about that and really haven't given it much thought. I'm talking about a lifestyle in which you are having to go to rehab, which clearly hasn't held, where you have situations where police are being called to your home, etc. I can look at these list of charges and it doesn't take an idiot to see that there is at the very least a serious problem afoot - regardless of this rape thing. Throw the rape issue out, I don't think that's the bar for Journey.

If this was some heavy metal group or some band with an image that could withstand this, fine. Journey is not that band.

Frankly, if the dude has a meth problem, he needs to focus on that, not Journey.

[Eric]

Thank you Memorex....

[tater1977]

Oregon judge denies bail for Journey drummer accused of rape

By Sheila V Kumar July 1, 2015
The Associated Press

http://metronews.ca/news/world/1414408/ ... world-news

SALEM, Ore. – Journey drummer Deen Castronovo was high on meth and hallucinating when he was arrested two weeks ago and accused of misdemeanour assault and menacing, his attorney said Wednesday during a bail hearing.

Castronovo’s attorney Jeffrey Jones asked an Oregon judge to set his bail at $50,000, saying he would be driven straight to a rehab clinic if released. Castronovo was released on bail after he was arrested June 14 and ordered to stay away from the woman who’s accused him of raping her.

Despite the court order, prosecutors said Castronovo has texted the woman 122 times and called her 35 times since he posted bail, with his messages swinging between contrition and threats.

The 50-year-old drummer was booked into the Marion County Jail after a grand jury indicted him Monday. He now faces felony charges of assault, sexual abuse and unlawful use of a dangerous weapon. The indictment accuses Castronovo of having sexual intercourse with the victim “by forcible compulsion” between June 8 and June 14.


During the bail hearing, Marion County Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Gardiner played two voice mails Castronovo left for the victim. In them Castronovo first accuses the woman of “destroying my life because of the things I did to you” before ending the message with “I love you, thanks.” He can be heard crying in the second voice mail and says, “thank you for turning me in. Thank you for ruining my life even more.”

Marion County Circuit Judge Channing Bennett denied bail for the rock band drummer, saying his repeated attempts to contact the victim show that he poses a threat.

“My finding is he has no regard for the court’s order,” Bennett said. “I do find he is a danger to the victim.”

Jones argued neither of Castronovo’s two ex-wives — both of whom attended the bail hearing — ever accused him of domestic violence.

“He has no prior criminal history, no prior arrests,” Jones said. “He’s actually a pretty good part of the community, a contributing member,” he added.

Castronovo has been with Journey since 1998, when he replaced Steve Smith — the drummer on the group’s best-known songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

[Journey/Survivor]

It's obvious that Deen and his wife have a very dysfunctional relationship. And he probably does have a drug problem, unfortunately. He should do everything in his power to get off the drugs.

I don't however agree that Journey would be destroyed because their drummer has a dysfunctional relationship with his wife, or because he's on drugs.

I do not believe that the average woman would refuse to go to a Journey concert because of Deen's problems with his wife. If people refused to see bands or sports teams or movies or watch TV shows because one of the members/stars-etc had something about their life that is not admirable, then no one would ever see bands, sports teams, movies, TV.

[perryfan61]

It's obvious that Deen and his wife have a very dysfunctional relationship. And he probably does have a drug problem, unfortunately. He should do everything in his power to get off the drugs.

I don't however agree that Journey would be destroyed because their drummer has a dysfunctional relationship with his wife, or because he's on drugs.

I do not believe that the average woman would refuse to go to a Journey concert because of Deen's problems with his wife. If people refused to see bands or sports teams or movies or watch TV shows because one of the members/stars-etc had something about their life that is not admirable, then no one would ever see bands, sports teams, movies, TV.

I agree with everything you just said. He's not the first "celebrity " to screw up, and he won't be the last. He needs help and support now, not judgement. I hope he has someone in his life who will be there for him.

[perryswoman]

Well if both of his ex wives were at the bail hearing, it is a sign he has some supportive people in his life. IF he beats the charges, hopefully this will be his wake up call.

[tater1977]

No bail set for drummer Deen Castronovo

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/n ... /29595595/

Alisha Roemeling Statesman Journal 5:23 p.m. PDT July 1, 2015


New details emerged Wednesday at a bail hearing for Deen Castronovo, the 50-year-old drummer for the rock band Journey, who attorneys said was high on an overdose of methamphetamine at the time of his June 14 arrest on charges that he assaulted a woman.

Marion County Circuit Judge Channing Bennett ordered that Castronovo remain in jail without bail, noting that he was a danger to the victim.

At the hour-long hearing, Marion County Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Gardiner said police had to break down the door of Castronovo’s Southeast Salem home to arrest him on June 14. Castronovo’s attorney, Jeffery Jones, said he was first taken to Salem Hospital because of his overdose condition before being booked at the Marion County jail.

Castronovo was initially charged with fourth-degree assault and menacing, and he posted $20,000 bail. On June 29 he was arrested again — this time on a grand jury indictment stemming from the same incident.

The indictment charged him with five counts of fourth-degree assault, one count of first-degree rape, two counts of menacing, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, one count of second-degree assault, one count of second-degree sex abuse, one count of coercion, one count of second-degree criminal mischief, and three counts of contempt of court.

The indictment indicates the alleged abuse took place between April 25 and June 29.

Gardiner said Castronovo’s arrest stemmed from a week-long series of violent events during which he threw the victim into a wall 14 times, pulled her hair, sexually assaulted her and forced her to have sex with him. Gardiner said the assaults left large bruises on the victim’s legs, arms and breasts.

As Gardiner read details of the alleged incident, Castronovo talked to himself and sometimes looked toward the ceiling. He appeared weary and took deep breaths and seemed to shake. At one point Castronovo wobbled and nearly fell over. Three deputies helped him to sit in a chair as he closed his eyes.

Gardiner played two voice mails at the hearing to showcase Castronovo’s mental and emotional state.

After Castronovo was released from jail June 15, he called the victim 35 times and text messaged her 122 times, Gardiner said, despite being under a court order to have no contact with her. He also left voice mails during which he threatened to kill himself and told the victim he wanted her to suffer.

In the first voice mail, Castronovo apologized to the victim and then threatened her.

“I’m sorry (victim),” he said. “You should call me. On Friday you will be forcibly removed from my house. My life is ruined. You didn’t have to call the cops. I’ve suffered and now you’re going to suffer. I love you.”

The second voice mail features a hysterical Castronovo. The message is directed at police officers, who had previously answered one of Castronovo’s calls while interviewing the victim.

“I don’t care anymore,” Castronovo cried. “I’m going to kill myself...”

He then pleaded for help from police.

“I wish the officer who answered the phone would call me back,” Castronovo cried. “Give me some *** **** ******* help. You think this is a joke? I’m sick and I need help!” he screamed.

Two former wives of Castronovo’s were present at the courtroom. Jones said the women attended to show the judge there had been no previous reports of domestic abuse while they had been in relationships with the drummer.

Jones also highlighted some of the ways Castronovo had been involved in the community.

“He’s been a productive part of Salem,” Jones said. “He donated to South Albany High School, he befriended a boy named Austin who was involved in a car accident in Keizer. He gives back to the community.”

Castronovo donated $10,000 to the South Albany band program after a fire leveled the building that housed the band room, which contained all of the program's instruments.

Following the arraignment, Castronovo’s friend, Antonio MataCQ, 42, of Salem, said he was disappointed in the outcome of the hearing.

“I think that there are two sides to every story,” Mata said. “I was really hoping they would let him go so he could get some help. That process needs to start sooner rather than later.”

Mata, who is a drummer for the band CryhavokCQ, said Castronovo was a big inspiration to him.

“He’s human, he makes mistakes,” Mata said. “I still look up to him and he’s going to take this as a man. Even though he makes mistakes we’re here to support him — we love him.”

[perryswoman]

Oh dear God in heaven. This is bad. Really bad.

[steveo777]

I don't get what Deen was doing messing around with meth. With his drug knowledge and previous history, he should know as well as anyone, that meth does not end well for anyone. Who does it ever work out for? He should have known when he took the first hit that he was making a decision that holds dire consequences. I wonder how long he's been using again? This is really sad!

[Gina3008]

Could this get any worse??? Firstly, I hope that the entire family is getting help with these issues because they must, surely, be in crisis mode. Secondly, I hope that Deen gets the help he needs with his relationship issues, his methamphetamine addictions and his alcohol issues because Deen comes across as a very charitable individual and a great musician when these issues are not involved.

It is very disheartening to think that some very narrow minded individuals would hold Journey responsible for these behaviors and go so far as to boycott their music, in and out of concert. Journey loves to make music and just want to continue doing what they love to do without someone thinking they condone such behavior.

I hope Journey, as well as The Revolution Saints, will be able to continue making music without being disparaged for any of Deen's issues. And may anyone who does wish to disparage the other band members over this, well, maybe they need to look deep within themselves and think before they start boycotting and spouting off on social media websites.

[Marabelle]

Strange to say but this might finally be the quietest time the family has had in years. He didn't die. No on else died. The criminal charges might have saved his life. And, although his time with Journey might have come to an end; he's still alive. His life can change for the better. It might not seem that way' but the courts might be able to keep him away from some of those close friends and provide the treatment he needs.

[LTS]

I follow Journey on facebook. A few months ago, they had a facebook posting saying "congratulations to Deen and his new wife" .. with a photo of him and her. I wanted to share it with my Journey friends .. but before I could even grab it, it disappeared. Did anybody else see that?

[JBlake]

It was evident something was wrong as far back as a few years ago when Deen started looking more and more like Caitlyn Jenner before there was a Caitlyn Jenner.

LOL, ok in what way7 did he start "looking more and more like..."?

[Lora]

I follow Journey on facebook. A few months ago, they had a facebook posting saying "congratulations to Deen and his new wife" .. with a photo of him and her. I wanted to share it with my Journey friends .. but before I could even grab it, it disappeared. Did anybody else see that?

I think what you saw was a post congratulating Jon Cain and his new wife, Pastor Paula.

[Abitaman]

It is hard not to judge, so I am no, but does sound as if there is a drug issue here. Hope he is serious about wanting help, and that he gets the help he needs. He did it, hope he pays for it as the court see fit. If he did not rape the lady, I hope the truth comes out and he can move on. But either way, if drugs are involved, he needs help.

[LTS]

I follow Journey on facebook. A few months ago, they had a facebook posting saying "congratulations to Deen and his new wife" .. with a photo of him and her. I wanted to share it with my Journey friends .. but before I could even grab it, it disappeared. Did anybody else see that?

I think what you saw was a post congratulating Jon Cain and his new wife, Pastor Paula.

Lora -- I'm a huge Journey fan .. I know the difference between Jonathan and Deen .. unless Jonathan has got tons of tattoos and was marrying a girl who looked like a biker chick. It was DEFINITELY Deen .. I just happened to be on facebook .. it was there .. it was gone.

[TageRyche]

As this story gets worse and worse, it becomes more and more unlikely that Journey CAN even think about taking him back. He's radioactive right now and for the foreseeable future even if he does get out on bail and the charges dropped.

[Ehwmatt]

Innocence must be assumed until trial regardless. I had a friend accused of rape. He walked into a Target store to use an ATM, left and was arrested on the parking lot. Turned out some unstable girl accused him of attacking her in the bathroom, which he never entered. Store would not turn over video camera footage. It took him a criminal trial and a civil trial to clear himself. The girl and her family showed up for neither. Found out later she was dating a black guy (not that there is anything wrong with that) and trying to hide it from her religious parents.

The point being if a woman accuses someone, no matter how baseless, it's going to cost a lot of legal fees just to prove someone didn't do it.

He may very well be guilty, but it's not for any of us to be putting him on trial. Let the legal process play itself out.

Deen undoubtedly slipped back into his drug hole and has some real issues. Anybody looking at how his appearance changed in the last 3-5 years could see that happening. That said, I'm very interested to hear Deen's side of the story. When the truth comes out, it may not necessarily exonerate him, but it might mitigate things a lot. Something about this story just seems off to me. I could be wrong, but these things are rarely so black and white. The cynic in me wonders if this woman saw his decline into drugs and saw an opportunity to get out and possibly sidestep a prenup. I could be wrong, but it's no worse for me to speculate about her motives and credibility than it is for people to be stringing Deen up right now.

[nylady]

I only hope that Deen is able to realize that this whole ugly episode might well have saved his life rather than ruined it. As awful as this seems to be right now, I can't help but think that it might have been so much worse. He is still here, as opposed to being just another statistic chalked up to the 'rock n roll' lifestyle. He's a talented musician, I hope he is able to see this for the warning it appears to be and, no matter what the outcome of the legal mess he appears to be in right now, is able to make the changes in his life to come out in a better place down the road.

[NoMoreTails]

I could be wrong, but it's no worse for me to speculate about her motives and credibility than it is for people to be stringing Deen up right now.

My question is f she was "raped" on June 8th, what is she doing hanging around him for another week?
("...by forcible compulsion" between June 8 and June 14...)
Deen obviously has some very serious problems but I can't see the rape charge being true.

[jestor92]

I hope Castronovo gets his shit together soon and both he and his family can make a fast recovery from his inner demons. The man is a majorly talented individual and comes off as a nice guy in interviews I've read with him.

As an aside imagine if Journey had named him the lead vocalist a few years back. Imagine what the back lash would be.

[Arkansas]

... if this woman saw his decline into drugs and saw an opportunity to get out and possibly sidestep a prenup. ...

Maybe it was the woman who started the whole 'meth thing' and his anger was directed at her for taking him down that path. Or maybe he blamed her for enabling/allowing instead of making him stop. Not saying anything is right or wrong. Who knows...just psych101 speculation.


later~

[Journey/Survivor]

If he's innocent of the rape charge, and is exonerated of the charge, then I don't agree at all with the thought that Deen can not return down the road to being Journey's drummer.

Almost anything blows over after a little while these days. I'm not saying that I support this being the case. But these days "scandals" like this can even help album sales and such.

I think the idea that female fans of Journey will abandon the band over this is massively exaggerated.

[Marabelle]

I'd agree with you about forgiving fans if they were in their late teens or 20s or 30s; drugs might even make it a bit more mystifying and intriguing; however I think when you are dealing with the women in their 40s and 50s that the drug charges are not really something that makes you curious; they usually don't like the idea of being raped or beat or men who are accused of beating women while high on drugs isn't really something that's appealing for most women in that age group. The majority of these women don't do hard drugs and are pretty independent and do not think favorably on men who beat them up. I might be wrong but I think it's going to be next to impossible to bring him back into the band with those charges even if they plead them down and his girlfriend or wife forgives him.

[steveo777]

Damn drugs!
Imagine, drugs could cause a man to commit actions that are equivalent to wadding up a career, throwing it in the trash bin and lighting on fire. I don't condone these acts, but I am praying that whatever Deen needs, that he gets the help to recover, as well as his family.
I hope he has a good sum of money left, because he needs to find a good money manager to manage his income, for he may need to live on what he has left for a very long time.
50 years old is a very bad time to take this kind of a wrong turn! I can't see how he can ever be back in Journey again if even half of what supposedly happened is true.

[yulog]

Deans brain has to be fried by now , that meth is instantly addictive ,(moreso than heroin) and it just eats holes in your brain it has to be the fastest and most destructive drug out there, the only thing I have come across that is as fast and destructive to your brain is "sherm'(but your looks are not affected like that of a meth addict).

[annie89509]

Drastic change of events for Deen. Rock musicians are not very bright, are they? How could a normally decent guy turn into such a brute? Irrespective of what the truth is between the 2 individuals involved (and we have not yet heard Deen’s side of the story), it is his continuous use of illicit drugs that is the root cause of all his troubles.

How many times have we heard the term … Sex, Drugs, and Rock‘nRoll? Or it’s “the lifestyle”. We know every one of the Journey guys has had a past experience with drugs and/or alcohol. But they have come out on the other side and seemingly have stayed clean and sober. Neal, of all people, must be throwing his hands up. It’s common knowledge, among us Journey geeks, that Neal stood by Deen through all the rehab stints during the Journey years (and probably before), including Deen's brush with the law couple years ago.

I having a feeling this is the final straw. Even if Deen manages to stay out of prison, I don’t see Neal or Jon wanting him back. After the dust settles, let’s hope his music career is salvageable.

[JourneyHard]

The time has come to get Steve Perry back. Steve Perry loves baseball. Explain it to him as he would be the closer. Every team needs a good closer. Then, Steve Smith would probably want to come back with Steve Perry back in the band.

Set List
Arnel Pineda: Separate Ways, Stone in Love, Change For The Better, Escape, Any Way You Want It, Chain Reaction, Keep On Runnin', Faithfully, Open Arms, Edge Of The Moment, Edge Of The Blade, Who's Cryin' Now, Wheel In The Sky, Be Good To Yourself

Steve Perry: Only The Young, Send Her My Love, When I Think Of You, Oh Sherrie, You Better Wait, Lights (Steve can say it was written about San Francisco), She's A Mystery (I would love to hear Steve on this song), I'll Be Alright Without You, Lovin Touchin Squeezin, Don't Stop Believin'

[The_Noble_Cause]

The time has come to get Steve Perry back.

The band's drummer just got accused of rape, not their singer. I don't follow.

[Archetype]

Such a shame. Deen became such a crucial part of their live show. So energetic, such awesome backing vocals and even better lead vocals. It's gonna be a long time before this gets sorted out.