LOCAL celebrities took to social media to mourn the death Filipino rock legend Joey “Pepe” Smith. He was 71.
The sad news was shared online by his daughter Daisy Smith-Owen on Monday morning.
Smith-Owen said Smith was rushed to the hospital early Monday.
The musician suffered a stroke in November 2017 and also recently underwent eye operation.
Before his successful solo career, Smith was part of the iconic Juan dela Cruz Band with Wally Gonzalez and Mike Hanopol. The group is known for its hits “Beep Beep,” “Balong Malalim,” “Titser’s Enemy No. 1,” “Himig Natin,” “No Touch” and “Kahit Anong Mangyari.”
Local stars such as Kean Cipriano, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Ogie Alcasid remembered Smith as they posted their messages and photos of the rock ‘n’ roll icon on their respective social media accounts.
“We lost another national treasure,” expressed Alcasid.
“Another OPM legend bites the dust. With deep sadness, i say Farewell Pepe Smith. Gentle travels,” said Apo Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes.
“Pagtanda ko, ipagmamayabang ko sa mga batang musikero na naging kaibigan ko yung nag-umpisa ng lahat… yung King of Pinoy Rock, si Pepe Smith. Pahinga ka na, Pepe. Mahal na mahal ka namin at ng maraming maraming tao! Kita tayo sa dulo, pagdating ng panahon,” posted Jugs Jugueta of the Itchyworms.
“Thank you for everything papa bear ko. Thank you for being the best dad in the world. I know you’re in the best place now, no more pains papa.. i will see you in few days. I love you to the moon and back,” daughter Smith-Owen wrote in her Facebook page. (ABS-CBN News)
