Tico Torres, drummer for Bon Jovi since the band began in 1983, was rushed to the hospital over the weekend and underwent emergency gall bladder surgery, the band said in a statement on its website.
“Tico Torres has been the heart and soul of our band since we started 30 years ago,” Jon Bon Jovi said. “He’s also one tough SOB and we look forward to him again pounding away brilliantly at the drums on remainder of this and future tours.”
Torres himself also posted a note to fans.
"I would like to say a quick thank you to all of you who have kept me in your thoughts thus far," he wrote. "There is nothing that can prepare one for a medical emergency but I have been taken especially good care of and would again like to thank all my doctors and health care professionals. I am very disappointed not to be able to perform but our friend Rich Scannella will stand in for me. You are in good hands. I will be there in spirit and back on stage soon."
The New Jersey band played Rio De Janeiro Saturday night with Scannella filling in for Torres. They will play again Thursday in Venezuela.