Tico Torres facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tico Torres
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Torres in 2009
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| Birth name | Hector Samuel Juan Torres |
| Also known as | Tico, The Hitman |
| Born | October 7, 1953 New York City, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1969–present |
Hector Samuel Juan "Tico" Torres (born October 7, 1953) is an American musician, artist, and businessman. He is best known as the drummer and percussionist for the famous American rock band Bon Jovi. In 2018, Tico Torres was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Bon Jovi.
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Early Life
Hector Juan Samuel Torres was born on October 7, 1953, in New York City. He grew up in Colonia, a part of Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. His parents, Emma and Héctor, moved from Cuba in 1948. Tico went to John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in Iselin.
Music Journey
When he was young, Tico Torres loved jazz music. He learned to play music with a teacher named Joe Morello. In 1969, he played drums for a band called Six Feet Under.
Before joining Bon Jovi in 1983, Tico had already played with many famous artists. He recorded 26 albums with musicians like Pat Benatar, Chuck Berry, Cher, Alice Cooper, and Stevie Nicks. He was also the first drummer for the band T. Roth and Another Pretty Face. He played on their 1980 album Face Facts.
Joining Bon Jovi
Tico met Alec John Such while they were playing in a band called Phantom's Opera. This friendship led him to join Bon Jovi. When Jon Bon Jovi, the band's lead singer, asked Tico to join, Tico was not sure at first. Jon was 9 years younger than him. But Tico was impressed by Jon's exciting way of performing. This made him decide to join the band.
Tico Torres is mainly a drummer and percussionist. But he also sang on one song from the box set 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong. He also sang backing vocals on some early Bon Jovi songs. These include "Born to Be My Baby" and "Love for Sale".
Other Talents
Tico Torres is known as "The Hitman." He found another talent: painting. He has shown his artwork since 1994. His first successful art show was in New York City. Tico taught himself how to paint. His paintings show scenes from everyday life and his experiences with the band.
His painting skills were shown in one of the music videos for the song "Who Says You Can't Go Home."
Tico Torres also has his own clothing line for babies. It is called Rock Star Baby.
Personal Life
Tico Torres has a son named Hector Alexander. He was born on January 9, 2004.
In 2013, while Bon Jovi was on their What About Now tour, Tico had some health issues. He had to go to the hospital for appendicitis. A couple of weeks later, he had surgery for his gall bladder. Another drummer filled in for him. Tico returned to the tour on October 8, 2013.
Tico Torres loves to play golf. He often plays in the Alfred Dunhill Links Pro-Am in Scotland. He sometimes plays with his good friend, musician Huey Lewis.
Music Albums
Tico Torres has played drums on many albums. Here are some of the main ones:
Bon Jovi Studio Albums
- Bon Jovi (1984)
- 7800° Fahrenheit (1985)
- Slippery When Wet (1986)
- New Jersey (1988)
- Keep the Faith (1992)
- These Days (1995)
- Crush (2000)
- Bounce (2002)
- Have a Nice Day (2005)
- Lost Highway (2007)
- The Circle (2009)
- What About Now (2013)
- Burning Bridges (2015)
- This House Is Not for Sale (2016)
- 2020 (2020)
- Forever (2024)
Other Albums
- Stranger in This Town (1991) with Richie Sambora
- Face Facts (1980) with T. Roth and Another Pretty Face
See also
In Spanish: Tico Torres para niños
- List of Cubans
