MANILA, Philippines — Several musicians and celebrities mourned the passing of rock legend Joey “Pepe” Smith on Monday.
In their online tributes for Smith, personalities from inside and outside the music industry extended their condolences to the bereaved family and said they were saddened by the passing of the 71-year-old rock icon, citing he is a big loss. They also thanked Smith for his contributions to the Original Pinoy Music industry.
“Another OPM legend bites the dust. With deep sadness, I say Farewell Pepe Smith. Gentle travels,” APO Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes said in a tweet.
“Maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat Pepe Smith. You left us with so much. You are in the blood of every Filipino musician and music lover,” Sandwich bassist Myrene Academia wrote in her tweet.
Commission on Elections spokesman James Jimenez also joined the list of personalities who sent their sympathies.
“I guess even rolling stones need to rest. And the hereafter could use a little Pinoy rock. Pepe Smith is dead; long live,” Jimenez tweeted.
Smith passed away on Monday after being rushed to the hospital.
READ: Pepe Smith takes a bow, 71
In November 2017, Smith was also brought to the hospital after suffering from a stroke for the third time.
His daughters, Sanya Smith and Daisy Smith-Owen also posted their respective tributes for their father on their social media accounts.
Smith, one of the pioneers of Filipino rock, is a member of the Juan dela Cruz band. They are known for their hits “Beep Beep,” “Balong Malalim,” “Himig Natin,” “No Touch,” “Panahon,” and “Titser’s Enemi No.1,” among others.
He is also considered to be one of the “great grandfathers” of OPM.
He previously joined The Downbeats band as a vocalist and was then dubbed the “Mick Jagger of the Philippines.”
The Downbeats opened for The Beatles during their concert in Manila in 1966.
Smith also starred in 2015 Cinemalaya film "Above the Clouds." The movie was initially released in October 2014.
Here are other messages of local celebrities and personalities for Smith:
My deepest condolences to @sanyasmith007 and their whole family for the passing of a great legend, Mr. Pepe Smith. The Philippines rocks and rolls because of you, sir! RIP in heaven ????????????????????????
— Maxene Magalona (@maxenemagalona) January 28, 2019
Pepe Smith, who gave me courage to go ahead and make the idea of Rock Ed real. This was in Ayuyang, Baguio, a long long time ago -when his glee in saying "OKEY YAN, TULOY MO YAN" made all the difference in the world for then-hesitant me. Salamat Salamat Pepe, rock n roll.???????? pic.twitter.com/CXRYldhCTf
— Gang Capati (@gangbadoy) January 28, 2019
Rest in peace Sir Pepe Smith. ????????
— kean cipriano (@keancipriano) January 28, 2019
Rest In Peace Sir Pepe Smith
— SOAPDISH (@soapdishph) January 28, 2019
A Pinoy Rock icon passed away. RIP Pepe Smith.
— Orange & Lemons (@moonlanegardens) January 28, 2019
Paalam at salamat Joey "Pepe" Smith. I was 17 when I first saw you live at 70's Bistro, performing epic guitar solos with Chickoy Pura on Himig Natin that lasted for what felt like 20 minutes. Hebigats, lodi. RIP.
— Renato Reyes, Jr. (@natoreyes) January 28, 2019