Tico Torres
The drummer and founding member of Bon Jovi, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
Hector Samuel Juan "Tico" Torres (born October 7, 1953) is an American musician, best known as the drummer and one of the founding members of the rock band Bon Jovi. In 2018, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Bon Jovi. Torres was born in New York City and brought up in the Colonia section of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. His parents, Emma and Héctor, emigrated from Cuba in 1948. He attended John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in Iselin. Torres met Alec John Such while playing with a band called Phantom's Opera, and it was this friendship that led to him joining Bon Jovi.
- Role
- Drummer
- Affiliation
- Bon Jovi (Joined Shortly After Formation)
- Origin
- New York City, brought up in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey
- Tenure
- 1983–Present
- Status
- Active
- Key Contribution
- Rhythmic Foundation and Percussion
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Torres was a jazz fan as a youth and studied music with Joe Morello. In 1969, he played drums for the psychedelic rock band Six Feet Under. Before joining Bon Jovi in 1983, Torres had already played live with Joe Cerisano's R-Band a.k.a. Silver Condor in the New Jersey Rock circuit. Torres was also one of the drummers auditioned by Kiss in 1980 after original drummer Peter Criss left the band. He was the original drummer for the glam rock band T. Roth and Another Pretty Face and played on their 1980 album Face Facts. When Jon Bon Jovi approached Torres, he was put off by the fact that Jon was 9 years younger than he was. He said it was Jon's charismatic appearance and watching him perform that attracted him to join the band. Known as "The Hitman," Torres is primarily a drummer and percussionist, but he sang lead vocals on a song on the box set 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong, as well as backing vocals on a couple of the early Bon Jovi tracks, notably "Born to Be My Baby" and "Love for Sale."
In Their Own Story
When the Bon Jovi What About Now tour reached Mexico on September 10, 2013, Torres experienced severe abdominal pains and was rushed to the hospital with appendicitis. About two weeks later, on September 22, 2013, he was hospitalized a second time for emergency gall bladder surgery. Rich Scannella filled in for him, and Torres returned to the tour in Fresno, California, on October 8, 2013, one day after his 60th birthday. Torres is an avid golfer who frequently participates in the Alfred Dunhill Links Pro-Am in St. Andrews, UK, often playing in a foursome with fellow musician and good friend Huey Lewis.
Reader's Guide
Aside from his success as a drummer, Torres discovered another talent: painting. He has exhibited his art since 1994. The successful first show was at the Ambassador Galleries in Soho, New York. Torres is a self-taught painter, who paints expressive pictures which show scenes from everyday life and his life with the band. His painting talent was shown in one of the three videos made for the single "Who Says You Can't Go Home." Torres also owns a fashion line for babies called Rock Star Baby. Torres and his first wife divorced soon after the formation of Bon Jovi in 1983. In 1996, Torres married Czech-born model Eva Herzigová in Sea Bright, New Jersey. Their marriage ended two years later. Torres married Maria Alejandra in September 2001, his third marriage; they divorced in 2008. They have a son, born on January 9, 2004.
Did You Know?
- Torres studied music with jazz drummer Joe Morello.
- He was one of the drummers auditioned by Kiss in 1980 after Peter Criss left the band.
- Torres sang lead vocals on a song on the box set 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong.
- He owns a fashion line for babies called Rock Star Baby.
- Torres had emergency gall bladder surgery on September 22, 2013, about two weeks after being hospitalized for appendicitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tico Torres?
Hector Samuel Juan "Tico" Torres is the longtime drummer for Bon Jovi, born in New York City in 1953. He has been a constant presence in the group since joining them in 1983 and remains active today.
When did Tico Torres join Bon Jovi?
Torres officially became part of the band in 1983 after connecting with bassist Alec John Such while performing with another group called Phantom's Opera. This recruitment marked the beginning of his enduring tenure with the rock legends.
What is Tico Torres's role in the band?
As the drummer, he provides the essential rhythmic foundation and percussion that drives their live performances and recordings. His consistent beat is a key element behind the group's signature sound over several decades.
Why was Tico Torres hesitant to join initially?
He originally worried about joining because lead singer Jon Bon Jovi was significantly younger than him at the time. However, he decided to commit after witnessing Jon's charismatic stage presence and performance style.
Has Tico Torres won any major awards with Bon Jovi?
Yes, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his bandmates in 2018. This honor recognizes his significant contribution to the band's legacy and success in rock history.
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