The Unseen Portraits Of Pepe Smith

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Pepe Smith, the inimitable icon of Filipino rock 'n' roll, passed away today at 71 years old.

Part of the iconic Juan dela Cruz band, together with Wally Gonzalez and Mike Hanopol, he leaves behind a catalogue of unforgettable anthems, including “Himig Natin,” “Titser's Enemy No. 1,” “Beep Beep,” and more.

In an interview with Esquire Philippines, Smith detailed how he came up with the lyrics of “Himig Natin,” writing down the words on packs of Malboro, inside the ladies room, while dashed on acid. “So I wrote it down there and just put it in front of my microphone. So we sang it the whole night and everybody liked that song,” he said.

Smith released his only solo album in 2015, a set that he publicly decried, telling people not to buy it (so we won't mention it here), and yet we're sure fans would love to get their hands on it just to listen to his voice once again.

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Now that Smith has moved on to rock 'n' roll heaven, we are left with songs and stories of a life that can only be described as well-lived.

Also, we have images on- and off-stage, including this pair of unseen portraits by veteran photographer Tom Epperson.

PHOTO: Tom Epperson

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Epperson, who photographed Smith numerous times, describes him as “interesting, intriguing, creative, spontaneous, eclectic, talented, dad, rock star, entertainer, legend, friend, story teller.”

These portraits tell the same story and more.

Tom Epperson's photographs of Pepe Smith were from a private session.

For this particular image, Pepe was in the studio for a cover shoot for Pulp magazine. After the shoot that we did for Pulp, I asked Pepe if he would mind if I did a personal portrait of him for myself.

Pepe and I go way back. I've had the pleasure of sharing the same stage with him and Wally Gonzales on numerous occasions. I've played the harmonica with the Blue Rats for the past 19 years.

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The portraits were inspired by Albert Watson and Keith Richards.

These images were inspired by one of my favorite photographers Albert Watson, especially the shot he did of Keith Richards. I find these two images haunting and, in both images, Pepe seems to have a lot on his mind.

Smith's hands in the portraits told a lot about him.

It's a tough choice as I like them both but, of the two images, I like the one on the right where he is holding the cigarette a bit more. I love the use of hands in a portrait as they have so much to say about a person, as well.

PHOTO: Tom Epperson

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Epperson had never laughed so much at a portrait shoot.

[Pepe] always gave 110 percent. So we were comfortable working together. He was always game to give more than what is asked of him, [and] that's what makes a great shot. It's a team effort.

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I think the hardest part of this particular image was just getting him to sit still. I never laughed so much. I do not know if you would call his movements natural but they are definitely Pepe.

Talking to the rock star was like going on a journey.

Talking to Pepe, in my opinion, was very interesting as the guy could talk about anything. He would start a story only to go off subject and go full circle back to where he started. It was like taking a whirlwind road trip. You didn't know where you were going or where you would end up.

PHOTO: Tom Epperson

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Another memorable collaboration between the two involved a muddy wedding dress.

Actually the most memorable shoot I had of Pepe outside of this image was another cover we did for Pulp. We had Pepe dressed in a wedding dress covered in mud, with a green mud pack on his face, [and] holding a bouquet of flowers that were on fire. Need I say more.

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Every encounter with Pepe Smith was memorable.

I met Pepe by chance one day in Pancake House. We started talking about many different things but ended up talking about how he got started in music. I wish I had recorded that conversation. You could see him remembering all of what he had done and had accomplished.

Seeing Pepe live was a lesson in stage presence—always the entertainer and he really knew how to work a crowd.

The Story Behind These Haunting Portraits of Pepe Smith

Tom Epperson's photographs of Pepe Smith were from a private session.

The portraits were inspired by Albert Watson and Keith Richards.

Smith's hands in the portraits told a lot about him.

Epperson had never laughed so much at a portrait shoot.

Talking to the rock star was like going on a journey.

Another memorable collaboration between the two involved a muddy wedding dress.

Every encounter with Pepe Smith was memorable.

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