On January 17, the Eagles kicked off their 2025 Sphere residency in Las Vegas. But the group performed without their longtime guitarist Steuart Smith, who has been part of the Eagles live lineup since 2001. Smith announced that he has retired from touring due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis. “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 said in a statement. “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 was replaced by Dallas multi-instrumentalist Chris Holt, who will play at all the Eagles remaining Sphere shows through April. Holt has played with Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, the Doobie Brothers, Chris Stapleton, Steve Earle, and Clint Black over the course of his distinguished career. (Ultimate Classic Rock)
