The Eagles, one of rock’s most iconic bands, kicked off their 2025 Las Vegas residency at the Sphere on January 17 with a important lineup change. longtime guitarist Steuart Smith, a fixture in the band for nearly 25 years, stepped down following a recent diagnosis of Parkinsonism, a neurological disorder affecting movement. Smith’s departure marks the end of an era for the band, but it also ushers in a new chapter with the introduction of Chris Holt as his replacement.
Smith, who joined the Eagles in 2001, has been a pivotal figure in the band’s live performances and studio recordings. He co-wrote several tracks for their 2007 album, Long Road Out of Eden, and was also a member of Don Henley’s solo touring band. In a heartfelt statement, Smith expressed his regret over leaving the group, saying, “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.” He added, “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.”
Don Henley,the band’s founder,paid tribute to Smith’s contributions,stating,“Steuart Smith has retired from touring. The Eagles will be forever grateful for the exceptional 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 certainly know our many fans join us in wishing him well.”
Taking the stage in smith’s place is Chris Holt, a seasoned guitarist from Dallas. Holt brings a wealth of experience, having collaborated with legendary artists like Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Stevie Nicks, and James Taylor. Most recently, he toured with Mike Campbell’s Dirty knobs. Holt’s addition to the Eagles’ lineup comes at a crucial time as the band continues their residency at the Sphere, which is set to conclude on April 12.Holt acknowledged the weight of his new role, telling The Dallas Morning News, “I’m trying to fill the giant shoes of all three that came before me,” referring to Smith, Don Felder, and Bernie leadon. He added, “It’s some of the most lovely 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’ residency at the Sphere has been a highlight of their recent touring schedule,and fans are eager to see how Holt’s presence will shape the band’s sound. As the band navigates this transition,they remain committed to delivering the timeless music that has defined their legacy.
| Key Details | Summary |
|——————|————-|
| Event | Eagles’ Las Vegas residency at the Sphere |
| Date | January 17, 2025 |
| Lineup Change| Steuart Smith retires; Chris Holt joins |
| Reason | Smith’s parkinsonism diagnosis |
| Holt’s Background | Worked with Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Stevie Nicks, James Taylor, and mike Campbell’s Dirty Knobs |
| Residency End| April 12, 2025 |
The Eagles’ ability to adapt and evolve has been a hallmark of their enduring success. As they move forward with Holt, fans can expect the same level of artistry and passion that has made the band a cornerstone of rock music. For more updates on the Eagles and their residency,stay tuned to NJ.com.
The Eagles’ New Era: Chris Holt Steps In as Steuart smith retires Amid las Vegas Residency
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The Eagles, one of rock’s most iconic bands, recently kicked off their 2025 Las Vegas residency at the Sphere with a meaningful lineup change. Longtime guitarist Steuart Smith retired after a Parkinsonism diagnosis, paving the way for seasoned guitarist Chris Holt to join the band. In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor of World-Today-News.com,sarah Mitchell,sits down with music historian and Eagles expert,Dr. Michael Langston, to discuss the transition, its impact on the band, and what fans can expect moving forward.
Steuart Smith’s Legacy and Departure
Sarah Mitchell: Dr. Langston, Steuart Smith has been a cornerstone of The Eagles for over two decades.What does his departure mean for the band’s identity?
Dr. Michael Langston: Steuart’s contributions to The Eagles have been immense. He joined in 2001, bringing a fresh yet respectful approach to their sound, particularly on their 2007 album Long Road Out of eden. his technical skill and ability to blend seamlessly into their harmonies made him indispensable.His departure marks the end of an era, but it also highlights the band’s resilience. The Eagles have always been adept at navigating change, and this is no exception.
The Arrival of Chris Holt
Sarah Mitchell: Chris Holt is stepping into some big shoes. What does he bring to the table?
Dr. Michael Langston: Chris is a phenomenal guitarist with an impressive resume, having worked with legends like bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, and Stevie Nicks. His recent work with Mike Campbell’s Dirty Knobs showcases his versatility and deep understanding of rock and blues. He’s not just filling in; he’s bringing his unique voice while respecting the legacy of those who came before him, including Steuart, Don Felder, and Bernie Leadon. It’s a delicate balance, but holt seems up to the task.
The Eagles’ Adaptability
Sarah Mitchell: The Eagles have undergone several lineup changes over the years.How has their ability to adapt contributed to their enduring success?
Dr. Michael Langston: Adaptability has been a hallmark of The Eagles’ career. From the departure of Bernie Leadon in the ’70s to Don Felder’s exit in the early 2000s, the band has always managed to evolve without losing their essence. This latest transition with Chris Holt joining the lineup is another example of their ability to embrace change while staying true to their musical roots. It’s a testament to their artistry and their commitment to delivering the timeless music fans love.
The Las Vegas Residency
Sarah mitchell: The Sphere residency has been a major highlight of their recent touring schedule.How has Chris Holt’s presence impacted their performances?
Dr. Michael Langston: From what I’ve heard, Chris has seamlessly integrated into the band’s live shows. The residency at the Sphere is a visually and sonically immersive experiance, and Holt’s guitar work has added a fresh dynamic to their performances. Fans have been eager to see how he interprets classic Eagles songs, and so far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a challenging role, but Chris is rising to the occasion.
Looking Ahead
Sarah mitchell: what does the future hold for The eagles as they conclude their residency and move forward?
Dr. michael Langston: The Eagles have always been a band that looks ahead while honoring their past.With Chris Holt in the lineup, I expect they’ll continue to deliver the high-quality performances fans expect. There’s also the possibility of new music on the horizon. The band has shown time and again that they can evolve and innovate, and this new chapter with Chris could be the start of something exciting.
Conclusion
The Eagles’ latest lineup change is a poignant reminder of their enduring legacy and ability to adapt. As Steuart Smith steps away,Chris Holt steps in,bringing his own talent and viewpoint to the band. Fans can look forward to the same level of artistry and passion that has defined The Eagles for decades. Stay tuned to world-Today-News.com for more updates on their journey.