Eagles guitarist Steuart Smith retiring due to Parkinson's
Share and Follow

The Eagles will fly a little different this year.

Guitarist Steuart Smith has announced that he’s retiring from the rock band after 24 years due to his health.

With deep sadness, I must step down from my position with the Eagles due to performance issues linked to my recently diagnosed Parkinsonism, said Smith, 72, in a statement to the Los Angeles Times on Monday.

Despite my wishes to complete this year with the band, I believe it’s in everyone’s best interest that I make this decision now,” the musician shared after calling his time with the group a remarkable quarter of a century.

Parkinsonism, as described by the Cleveland Clinic, is a broad term encompassing various brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease that result in slowed movements, stiffness, and tremors, with Parkinson’s disease accounting for approximately 80% of all Parkinsonism cases.

Smith’s bandmate, Dan Henley, reacted to his retirement in his own statement.

“The Eagles will be forever grateful for the extraordinary talents that he brought to both our recordings and live performances,” said Henley, 77.

“Steuart will be greatly missed, but he will always be a part of our musical family. We know our many fans join us in wishing him well,” he added.

Smith is being replaced by Chris Holt, who joined the band for their Las Vegas residency at the Sphere in Sept. 2024.

Holt told the Dallas Morning News last week, “I’m trying to fill the giant shoes of all three that came before me,” referring to Smith and previous lead guitarists Don Felder and Bernie Leadon.

“It’s some of the most beautiful guitar work ever recorded, in my opinion. It’s the highest honor for me to do it, and it’s my duty to get it right,” Holt went on.

Smith joined the Eagles in 2001 after Felder, 77, was fired over legal and monetary disputes.

He shared lead guitar duties with Joe Walsh on signature numbers including “Hotel California.”

The Eagles were formed in 1971 by Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner after they were recruited by Linda Ronstadt as her band members.

The group’s current lineup consists of Henley, Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Vince Gill and Deacon Frey. Their Vegas residency picks up again on Feb. 14 and runs until April 12. The band also began their indefinite farewell tour, The Long Goodbye Tour, in Sept. 2023.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Food banks are preparing for a surge as federal food aid could be paused in the government shutdown

Food Banks Brace for Impact: How a Government Shutdown Could Halt Federal Food Aid and Fuel Demand Surge

Food banks and pantries, already reeling from earlier federal program reductions, are…
Trump's lavish praise for Japan's first female prime minister

Trump Applauds Historic Milestone: Japan Welcomes First Female Prime Minister

In a notable moment on Tuesday morning in Tokyo, President Donald Trump…
Melania Trump revolts against East Wing demolition

Melania Trump Stands Firm Against East Wing Changes

The First Lady, Melania Trump, is reportedly expressing reservations about the extensive…
Trump says missiles for Japan’s F-35s will arrive ‘this week’ during visit to USS George Washington

Trump Announces Imminent Arrival of Missiles for Japan’s F-35s During USS George Washington Visit

During a visit to the USS George Washington at the Yokosuka Naval…
Jamaica braces for Hurricane Melissa: strongest storm on Earth in 2025

Jamaica Prepares for the Impact of 2025’s Most Powerful Storm, Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa has escalated into a formidable Category 5 storm as it…

Luxurious Bachelor Gulch Property Sets New Record with $24.9M Sale

DENVER (KDVR) In a remarkable real estate feat, one of the nation’s…
David Foster, 75,takes Katharine McPhee, 41, to dinner

David Foster, 75, and Katharine McPhee, 41, Turn Heads at Elegant Dinner Date

Over the weekend, renowned music producer David Foster, 75, appeared weary as…
Michelle Obama breaks down her style evolution with Robin Roberts in a 'Special Edition of 20/20' ahead of 'The Look' book release

Michelle Obama Discusses Her Style Evolution with Robin Roberts on ’20/20′ Special Ahead of ‘The Light We Carry’ Book Launch

Mark your calendars for November 2, as ABC airs a special edition…