A statement from the Eagles and Steuart Smith about the guitarist’s departure from the band:
“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. 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.” – Steuart Smith
“Steuart Smith has retired from touring. 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 a part of our musical family. We know our many fans join us in wishing him well.” – Don Henley
Veteran Dallas session guitarist Chris Holt will be taking over Smith’s spot for the rest of the ‘Long Goodbye’ tour.
In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Holt expressed his feelings on replacing Smith. He stated, “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.”
