The Philippines’ King of Rock and Roll, Pepe Smith, suffered from his third stroke on Tuesday night. The singer is currently confined at the Metro Antipolo Hospital and Medical Center. Meanwhile, fans wait for word on the Pepe Smith Rockfest which is set to take place on Nov 18 at the Amoranto Stadium.
Joseph William Feliciano Smith, aka Pepe Smith or Joey Smith, is an icon of original Filipino Rock music. Apart from being a singer, he is also a song writer, drummer, and guitarist. A wiki profile says he started playing the drums when he was just 9 and formed his first rock band when he was 11. He became a rock sensation in Manila as the drummer and lead vocalist of the Eddie Reyes and the Downbeats band. They opened for international band “The Beatles” in 1966. People thought that he was like Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones thus he was given the title “Mick Jagger of the Philippines. He released his solo album named Idiosyncrasies in 2005. The singer has five children. Queenie who is also a rock singer, Sanya Smith who is a former MYX VJ, Beebop, Desiderata and Delta.
Pepe Smith suffers third stroke, Pepe Smith Rockfest updates
A report by The Manila Times confirms that Pepe Smith was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday night. The report says he spent Tuesday night at the GMA studios in Quezon City. He was preparing for his concert segment on Willie Revillame’s “Wowowin.” While on the way to his home in Antipolo city, Pepe signaled to his manager Mark de Leon that he wasn’t able to speak. They then rushed him to the Metro Antipolo Hospital and Medical Center.
The 69-year-old singer was said to be transferred to the acute stroke and neurological unit and is in stable condition. Smith’s eldest daughter Queenie is currently looking after the singer in the hospital. This is the third attack since 2016.
As to Pepe Smith Rockfest slated on Nov 18, reports say organizers are currently holding a meeting and will be coming out with an official statement soon. (Please standby for updates.) Meanwhile, celebs and fans on Twitter ask prayers for the singer’s speedy recovery.