The showbiz industry was rocked with news of OPM legend Joey “Pepe” Smith’s death on Monday, as confirmed by his daughter Desiderata “Daisy” Smith-Owen on her Facebook page. He was 71.
“I know you're in the best place now, no more pains papa," she wrote.
READ: OPM rock icon Pepe Smith, pumanaw na
Many celebrities and musicians took to social media to pay homage to Pepe at once, including OPM President Ogie Alcasid, former APO Hiking Society member Jim Paredes, and the Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla.
We lost another national treasure. #RIPPepeSmith
— ogie alcasid (@ogiealcasid) January 28, 2019
Another OPM legend bites the dust. With deep sadness, i say Farewell Pepe Smith. Gentle travels.
— Jim (@Jimparedes) January 28, 2019
R.I.P. Pepe Smith 🙏
— zsa zsa padilla (@zsazsapadilla) January 28, 2019
Meanwhile, It’s Showtime host and Itchyworms frontman Jugs Jugueta said that he’s proud to have come to know the ‘King of Pinoy Rock’ in his lifetime.
“Pagtanda ko, ipagmamayabang ko sa mga batang musikero na naging kaibigan ko yung nag-umpisa ng lahat... yung King of Pinoy Rock, si [Joey Pepe Smith]. Pahinga ka na, Pepe. Mahal na mahal ka namin at ng maraming maraming tao! Kita tayo sa dulo, pagdating ng panahon,” he wrote.
Here are a few more celebrities who remembered Pepe on Twitter.
Rest in peace Sir Pepe Smith. 🙏🏻
— kean cipriano (@keancipriano) January 28, 2019
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
With deepest sadness, I say good night to Pinoy Legend, Pepe Smith. Salamat sa iyong musika. 🙏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/0mNga0MhKP
— Geneva Cruz (@genevacruzmusic) January 28, 2019
A Pinoy Rock icon passed away. RIP Pepe Smith.
— Orange & Lemons (@moonlanegardens) January 28, 2019
I can't believe the news. Rest in peace, Piyaps. Thank you for your music, stories, jokes, the profound conversations, and your creative generosity. The playful way you looked at the world will always be an inspiration. You really were the King of Rock. https://t.co/R0OmpoHtMl
— Pepe Diokno (@PepeDiokno) January 28, 2019
Prior to his death, Pepe suffered his third stroke in November 2017, on top of having to undergo an eye surgery due to his cataracts in its advanced stage.