Pepe Smith suffers stroke, now in hospital

Joey “Pepe” Smith, regarded as the symbol and inventor of Pinoy rock, suffered a stroke a few hours ago and was rushed to a hospital in Antipolo.

Music promoter Dudee Alfonso told the Inquirer that Smith–who’s turning 70 on Dec. 25–had just spent time with Willie Revillame and was in the car with his manager when Smith signaled he couldn’t speak.

Staff at Metro Antipolo Hospital, where Smith was rushed, moved him to the stroke unit, said Alfonso.

This was the third time Smith suffered a stroke, Alfonso pointed out. The first time was said to have caused an impediment in his speech