Pinoy rock legend Joey “Pepe” Smith was rushed to the Metro Antipolo Hospital and Medical Center on Tuesday night after suffering a stroke.
As relayed by music promoter Dudee Alfonso to InterAksyon, Pepe was with manager Mark de Leon after spending time with TV host and comedian Willie Revillame when he signaled that he could not speak. De Leon then concluded that nearly 70-year-old rock icon was having a stroke and immediately brought him to the nearest hospital.
According to his road manager, Pearl Lleno, Pepe was transferred to the acute stroke and neurological unit and was in stable condition. Alfonso added that Smith’s daughter, Queenie, was attending to her father.
Alfonso later updated InterAksyon regarding Pepe’s condition at around 2:20PM on Wednesday. “Pepe’s status is not as bad as the last stroke he had. It’s a good thing he was brought to the hospital in time. He is conscious,” Alfonso shared.
This is the third time that Smith suffered a stroke and followed his second stroke (“mild stroke” as he called it) last July which resulted in a speech impediment and also affected his singing. Last August, he was quoted in several interviews as having contemplated retirement.
He still managed to perform, mostly playing guitar onstage at the “Full Blast Pinoy Super Bands” all-star concert at the Cuneta Astrodome last month.
He is set to headline “Pepe Smith,” a multi-act rock festival featuring 40 performing acts on November 18 at the Amoranto Stadium.
Each of the 40 performers will pay tribute to Smith by performing one of his songs from several phases of his music career including his most famous stint with pioneering Pinoy Rock group, the Juan dela Cruz band.
Whether or not the concert will push through as a result of Smith’s stroke is now up in the air, according to Alfonso.
“In view of Pepe’s health condition, we would like to inform you that the ‘Pepe Smith Rockfest’ organizers are currently holding a meeting and would be coming out with an official statement within the day. Please stand by. We also appeal for fervent prayers for our beloved Pinoy Rock legend. Thank you,” Alfonso posted.
