Steuart Smith, the Eagles' lead guitarist, has announced his retirement from touring due to a recent diagnosis of Parkinsonism. The 72-year-old musician played a significant role in the band's success for 24 years, joining them for their Las Vegas residency before stepping down due to performance challenges. Session guitarist Chris Holt will take over Smith's position, facing the great responsibility of fulfilling the legacy of the iconic guitarist.
Steuart Smith has announced his retirement from the Eagles as lead guitarist following a diagnosis of Parkinsonism . The 72-year-old musician served as the band's touring co- lead guitarist for 24 years alongside Joe Walsh . Smith had joined the Eagles for the first part of their Las Vegas residency at the Sphere from September 20 to December 14, 2024, before announcing his departure on Monday, January 27.
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, Smith expressed regret over having to step down due to performance issues related to his recent Parkinsonism diagnosis. He acknowledged the significance of his quarter-century with the band and wished to have completed the year with them but understood the necessity of prioritizing everyone's well-being. Parkinsonism, according to the Parkinson's Foundation, encompasses a range of movement symptoms associated with various conditions, including Parkinson's disease. These symptoms can manifest as stiffness, walking and balance difficulties, and tremors. While Smith did not disclose the specific type of Parkinsonism he was diagnosed with, Eagles co-lead vocalist and founding member Don Henley confirmed Smith's retirement from touring in a separate statement. Henley expressed gratitude for Smith's extraordinary talents, both in recordings and live performances, and emphasized that the guitarist would be deeply missed while remaining an integral part of their musical family. He also conveyed well wishes to Smith from the band and their numerous fans.Smith, renowned for his double-neck guitar prowess, will be succeeded by session guitarist Chris Holt, who made his debut with the band on stage at the Sphere on January 17. Holt and Smith share a friendly relationship and have previously toured together as part of Henley's solo band. Holt acknowledged the immense responsibility of filling the shoes of Smith, as well as previous lead guitarists Don Felder and Bernie Leadon, describing the Eagles' guitar work as some of the most beautiful ever recorded. He sees it as a profound honor and a duty to perform it flawlessly. Holt, who also contributes harmony vocals, admitted that playing with the Eagles is undeniably challenging. He highlighted the iconic lead guitar solos and the band's legendary perfectionism, stating that nailing every performance accurately is no easy feat. The Eagles' Las Vegas residency will resume at the Sphere on Friday, February 14, and continue through Saturday, April 12
Steuart Smith Eagles Parkinsonism Retirement Chris Holt Joe Walsh Don Henley Las Vegas Residency Lead Guitarist
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