Dong Abay Has a Beatles and Pepe Smith Story

The Beatles—arguably the greatest band in all of human history—played two shows on their one and only visit to the Philippines on July 4, 1966. Many music fans are aware that, because the band had a less-than-ideal experience during their time here, they never came back. We’ve written an extensive account of that visit, if you care to relive those memories. 

But one side story that is rarely ever talked about related to the Beatles visit to Manila is that there were a couple of local groups that served as an opening act to the Fab Four. One of them was Eddie Reyes and the Downbeats and its drummer and vocalist was none other than Filipino rock legend Joey “Pepe” Smith. (Smith would of course go on to even greater fame and fortune with the rock supergroup Juan Dela Cruz band).

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Fellow OPM rock icon Dong Abay (Yano) posted an interesting bit of trivia earlier this week in time for the 57th anniversary of The Beatles in Manila show. According to Abay, on the sidelines of the venue, while Smith was bent down to tie his shoelaces, somebody stood right next to him. It was none other than Paul McCartney.

“Napatulala si Pyaps at ang tanging nasabi niya sa sarili ay, ‘Ampogi naman neto,’” Abay said.

The Yano singer and songwriter said Smith was so struck by McCartney’s dashing good looks he failed to say anything. Abay said Smith thought McCartney looked impressed by the other band that was playing an opening set before the Downbeats and the Beatles themselves took to the stage.

“Hindi siya nakaimik, parang naputulan ng dila, napatunganga sa kakisigan ni Paul na nanonood at impressed na impressed sa isa pang bandang Pinoy na tumugtog bago sila sumalang,” Abay said.

And that’s not the end of it. According to Abay, the day after the concert, Smith saw and talked to a masseuse that he knew. Apparently, the masseuse claimed that she had the distinct privilege of having the one and only John Lennon on her massage table. But Smith was flabbergasted with what the masseuse had to say about the late music legend.

“Sabi ng babae, ‘John Lennon John Lennon kayo dyan, supot naman yang John Lennon na yan."

If you’re not a native Filipino speaker, ask someone you know to translate because we sure as hell won’t.

Take that information as you will.

 Read Abay's post below