Fans of “Hotel California” bid farewell to Eagles guitarist Steuart Smith, who has stepped away from the band due to a parkinsonism diagnosis, according to USA Today.
Smith, a beloved figure in the band, leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable contributions to the Eagles’ sound.
Smith’s diagnosis
Smith bid farewell to Eagles fans and fellow band members in a recent statement to USA Today, “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.”
Smith, who joined the iconic rock band in 2001, revealed he has been diagnosed with parkinsonism, a condition that has led him to step away from the group.
Parkinsonism, as defined by the Parkinson’s Foundation, refers to a set of movement symptoms commonly linked to multiple disorders, including Parkinson’s disease.
“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,” Smith said in the statement to USA Today.
Smith’s departure marks the end of an era for the Eagles, but his guitar work on songs like “Hotel California” will be remembered forever.
Who will be replacing him?
Smith’s absence from the Eagles will be filled by Chris Holt, who will step in as the band’s new guitarist, according to a statement from Idol Records.
Holt, a credible musician, spoke about the honor of filling Smith’s shoes, telling the Dallas Morning News, “I’m trying to fill the giant shoes of all three that came before me. 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 joins the ranks of legendary guitarists who have played for the Eagles, including Smith, Don Felder and Bernie Leadon, according to USA Today.
As Holt embraces his new role, fans with tickets to see the Eagles at the Sphere are the first to experience his contribution to the band’s legacy.
Smith will not be forgotten
Smith has led a remarkable career in the music industry, having played alongside legendary artists such as Dolly Parton, Rosanne Cash and Vince Gill before joining the Eagles, according to Billboard.Don Henley, an original member of the Eagles and current drummer and vocalist, said in the statement to USA Today, “The Eagles will be forever grateful for the extraordinary talents that he brought to both our recordings and live performances. Steuart will be greatly missed, but he will always be part of our musical family. We know our many fans join us in wishing him well.”