Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres has emergency gall bladder surgery

NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres has undergone emergency gall bladder surgery, the New Jersey rock band said on its website.

The 59-year-old musician had the procedure about a week after he underwent an appendectomy, the Sept. 20 posting said, adding Torres is expected back at work "in the very near future."

Until then, Rich Scannella will replace Torres on all tour dates.

"Tico Torres has been the heart and soul of our band since we started 30 years ago," Jon Bon Jovi said in a statement. "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."