Eagles guitarist Steuart Smith has shared a health update with fans and announced that he will be leaving the group.
The guitarist has been a part of the American rock group since 2001, and shared a statement confirming that a recent health diagnosis has left him unable to continue as part of the line-up.
Shared with American Songwriter and Ultimate Classic Rock, the statement from Smith read: “It is with profound regret that, due to performance issues associated with my recently diagnosed Parkinsonism, I find that I must bow out of my role with the Eagles while I can still do so gracefully.”
He continued: “It’s been a great quarter of a century, and I had hoped to be able to finish out this year with the band, but I must now do what’s best for all concerned.”
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the term Parkinsonism is “used to describe a collection of movement symptoms associated with several conditions — including Parkinson’s disease”.
The statement also included contributions from the band’s founding member Don Henley, who paid his respects to Smith and recalled the impact that he had on the group. “The Eagles will be forever grateful for the extraordinary talents that he brought to both our recordings and live performances,” he wrote.
Joe Walsh and Steuart Smith perform during Eagles show, 2024. CREDIT: Michael Blackshire/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
“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.”
Following Smith’s departure, Eagles have reportedly brought in Christopher Holt as the newest addition to the line-up. The news was shared on Friday (January 24) by his label, Idol Records.
The addition of Holt comes as the band recently brought the guitarist on stage during their show at The Sphere in Las Vegas last week. The group are currently breaking out career-spanning sets at the venue as part of an ongoing residency slot.
As reported by Parade, Holt has spoken about taking on Smith’s role as part of the group, and told The Dallas Morning News that he is just “trying to fill the giant shoes” of his predecessor and those who came before him. “It’s the highest honour for me to do it, and it’s my duty to get it right,” he added.
In other Eagles news, the band recently extended their residency dates at The Sphere in Las Vegas – confirming that it will now be running beyond 2024 and up until spring 2025. Visit here for tickets.
Earlier this month, the band also donated $2.5million (£2.1million) to FireAid, the upcoming benefit concert for the victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Set to take place on January 30 at the city’s Intuit Dome and KIA Forum, the first wave of names confirmed included Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, Katy Perry, Joni Mitchell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting, Stevie Nicks, Gracie Abrams and Green Day.
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