by Robbie Pangilinan
Vancouver, Canada – Pepe Smith suffers multiple stroke The musician/actor was rushed to a hospital in Antipolo. As he turns 70 years old this year, and with 55 years in the music industry, Father of Filipino Rock Pepe Smith is staging his final concert tour in North America in May 2018.
Unfortunately on the evening of Tuesday, November 14 Smith suffered 3rd stroke he is critical condition. Smith was rushed to the Metro Antipolo Hospital and was transferred to the hospital's Acute Stroke Unit at around 3:00 am on Wednesday, This is the 3rd stroke the musician/actor has suffered since 2016, the first one left him with a minor speech impediment.
Titled “Pepe: Ang Huling Himig,” a reference to his most classic song “Himig Natin,” the concert series will be held in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, San Francisco and Vancouver, Canada.
Also, Smith was set to host his first ever "Pepe Smith Rockfest" on November 18. The organizers of the event said they will release a statement regarding the state of Smith's health and the music festival.
"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. We also appeal for fervent prayers for our beloved Pinoy Rock legend," it said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
“I started in the industry when I was 14. Now this is my las hurrah. It’s been a wonderful, colorful 55 years!” said the rock legend.
International multi-genre, multilingual, and multi-instrumentalist musician Raffy Swap One, Mayo Landicho and Lamar will back up Pepe and his Juan dela Cruz Band as they perform all-original songs.
“I am the number one fan of the Juan Dela Cruz Band. I play all their songs in my events,” said Mayo Landicho, a singer, songwriter, and Tattoo artist.
Smith, who learned to play the drums at 9 years old and formed his first rock band at age 11 with his neighbors, is one of the very few Filipino performers who did an opening act during the Beatles’ first and only concert in the Philippines.
He is an admitted high school dropout and convicted drug trafficker, and yet, has managed to put Pinoy rock in the limelight and inspire many musicians.
Pepe offers his last concert to all his supporters who never left his side. He is taking his final bow with hope in his heart that the music industry in the Philippines will continue to prosper.
