Steuart Smith, the long-serving guitarist for The Eagles, has announced his retirement from touring and performing following a recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Smith, 72, had been with the iconic band for 25 years, contributing both in the studio and on stage, and played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s sound.
In a statement, Smith expressed regret over stepping down: “Due to performance issues associated with my recently diagnosed Parkinsonism, I must bow out of my role with the Eagles while I can still do so gracefully. It’s been a great quarter of a century, and I had hoped to finish out this year with the band, but I must now do what’s best for all concerned.”
Smith joined The Eagles in 2001 after the departure of guitarist Don Felder and quickly established himself as an integral part of the band’s lineup. He was also well-known in the Nashville music scene, contributing to albums and tours for top country artists like Dolly Parton, Wynonna Judd, and Trisha Yearwood. Notably, Smith played guitar on Rodney Crowell’s Diamonds & Dirt, an album that produced five consecutive #1 singles.
Smith’s legacy extends beyond his work with The Eagles, having also performed with Vince Gill and Don Henley in various solo projects. Though often regarded as a hired hand, he became a prominent member of The Eagles, even co-writing two songs for their 2007 album Long Road Out of Eden.
In Smith’s absence, Vince Gill and Dallas-based guitarist Chris Holt will step in, with Holt also performing with Mike Campbell’s Dirty Knobs. The Eagles’ first performance of 2025, at the Las Vegas Sphere on January 17, sparked public speculation when Smith was absent from the lineup.
Don Henley acknowledged Smith’s retirement, saying, “Steuart will be greatly missed, but he will always be a part of our musical family.”
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