Steuart Smith, the longtime touring guitarist for legendary rock band the Eagles, has retired because of health issues.
“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,” the 72-year-old musician said in a statement sent to The Los Angeles Times on Monday.
Smith, who has toured with the Eagles since 2001, told The Times that it’s been “a great quarter of a century” and, while he hoped he would to finish out the year with the band, he said he “must now do what’s best for all concerned.”
Parkinsonism refers to several brain conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. The conditions cause slowed movements, walking and balance issues, body stiffness and tremors, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Parkinsonism can also affect mood and thinking changes, speech problems and sleep disturbance, according to Parkinson.org.
Smith joined the Eagles in 2001 and has been touring with the band ever since, though he hasn’t always been credited as a full-time member of the band.
The guitarist played with the Eagles when the band began its Las Vegas residency at The Sphere in September. However, Smith wasn’t with the band when it resumed its residency earlier this month on Jan. 17. Singer-songwriter Chris Holt replaced Smith for the Eagles’ recent residency shows.
The Eagles’ current lineup includes Henley, guitarist Joe Walsh and bassist Timothy B. Schmitt.
J.D. Souther, who co-wrote some of The Eagles’ most popular songs including “Best of My Love” and “Heartache Tonight,” died in September 2024 at age 78. Co-founding member Glenn Frey died in 2016 as well.
