Pinoy rock pioneer Joey ‘Pepe’ Smith dies at 71

Pepe Smith. Photo from Pepe Smith’s Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — Joey “Pepe” Smith, one of the pioneering fathers of Pinoy rock, died early this morning, Jan. 28, his daughters Daisy and Delta confirmed to the Inquirer. He was 71.

“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 a few days. I love you to the moon and back,” his daughter Daisy wrote on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157151473317948&set=a.431275847947&type=3&theater

Smith reportedly suffered a stroke a few years ago but has not been taking medication.

In 1974, Smith, along with his Juan dela Cruz bandmates Mike Hanopol and Wally Gonzalez, released the groundbreaking album “Himig Natin,” whose title track defined the sound of Pinoy rock. /cbb