Photo Credit: Idol Records Instagram (Chris Holt)
The Eagles took the stage to play their first Sphere show of 2025 with a new guitarist in tow. Chris Holt is playing with the legendary band after long-time guitarist Steuart Smith was diagnosed with Parkinsonism.
Parkinsonism is a term that encompasses the symptoms caused by Parkinson’s disease, which often result in trouble with movement. Christ Holt will play with The Eagles throughout the rest of their Sphere concerts through April. “Shit’s gonna get very interesting for me this week,” Holt posted on Facebook shortly before taking the stage with The Eagles.
“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,” Steuart Smith said in a statement. “It’s been a great quarter of a century, and I had hoped to be able to finish our this year with the band, but I must now do what’s best for all concerned.”
“Steuart Smith has retired from touring,” Don Henley added. “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.”
Chris Holt is an accomplished guitarist in his own right, performing with Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, and the Doobie Brothers just to name a few. His most recent touring work was with Mike Campbell’s Dirty Knobs.
Speaking about his new role with The Dallas Morning News, Holt said he’s just trying to fill the shoes those who came before him. “I’m trying to fill the giant shoes of all three that came before me,” he told anchors in reference 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.”