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The Eagles have welcomed Chris Holt as their new guitarist for their 2025 Sphere shows following Steuart Smith's retirement due to a Parkinsonism diagnosis. Parkinsonism is a condition that causes movement-related symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.

Steuart Smith announced his departure after 25 years with the band, stating, "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."

Don Henley expressed the band's gratitude: "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."

Chris Holt brings impressive credentials to the role, having performed with renowned artists including Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, and the Doobie Brothers. His most recent work was touring with Mike Campbell's Dirty Knobs.

Speaking to The Dallas Morning News about joining The Eagles, Holt acknowledged the legacy he's stepping into: "I'm trying to fill the giant shoes of all three that came before me," referring to Stueart Smith, Don Felder, and Bernie Leadon. "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."

The Eagles will continue their Sphere concerts through April 2025 with Holt as their guitarist.

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