The Eagles have kicked off their 2025 run of Las Vegas residency with a new lineup change.
Earlier in 2024, The Eagles announced a Las Vegas residency at the Sphere to extend their ‘Long Goodbye’ tour. On January 17th, the Eagles played this year’s first show, however, longtime guitarist Steuart Smith was missing from the lineup.
Smith explained the reason for his absence in a statement 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. 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 confirmed Smith’s departure and shared a message to celebrate the guitarist’s contribution to the band, “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.”
Henley also introduced Steuart’s replacement during the Eagles show. Veteran Dallas session guitarist Chris Holt will be taking over Smith’s role in the Eagles 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.”
The Eagles’ residency at the Sphere resumes with additional performances scheduled for February 14, 15, 21, and 22.
