Tico Torres – October 2012 Classic Rock Birthdays

Born in New York but raised in New Jersey, Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres celebrates his 59th birthday on Oct. 7.

He made a name for himself behind the kit early in life by recording with the likes of Pat Benatar, Chuck Berry and Alice Cooper -- but his rise to rock fame came when he began drumming for Bon Jovi in 1983.

Over the years, Torres has worked on a number of other musician's solo projects. In 1991, he helped out friend and fellow bandmate Richie Sambora on his album, 'Stranger In This Town.'

Torres is also an avid painter who began displaying his work publicly in 1994. A few of his pieces were used in the band's video for the 2006 single 'Who Says You Can't Go Home.'