Eagles bid farewell to their lead guitarist after heartbreaking diagnosis

The Eagles are saying goodbye to their long-time lead guitarist Steuart Smith as he battles a heartbreaking diagnosis.

Announcing that he has Parkinsonism, Smith, 72, confirmed that he has officially retired from the legendary rock band after playing with them for 24 years.

In a statement to the Los Angeles Times on January 27, Smith shared, “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.”

Parkinsonism encompasses a range of movement symptoms, with Parkison’s disease being the most common type of Parkinsonism. While Smith didn’t specify the type he was diagnosed with, the condition impacts his ability to perform on stage.

Don Henley, the band's co-lead vocalist, expressed deep gratitude for Smith’s contribution, stating, “Steuart will be greatly missed, but he will always be a part of our musical family.”

Chris Holt, who has been playing with the band since mid-January, will take over Smith's role during the Las Vegas residency and beyond.

The Eagles will continue their Las Vegas residency starting February 14, with Holt stepping in to fill some very big shoes.