Eagles Guitar Sideman Steuart Smith Retires From Band After 24 Years, Due to Parkinson’s Diagnosis

variety.com:

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic The sideman who has served for 24 years as a co-lead guitarist in the touring version of the Eagles, Steuart Smith, has officially retired from the group, taking his leave midway through the group’s stint at Sphere in Las Vegas.

He attributed the need to drop out to the effects of Parkinson’s disease on his playing. “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,” Smith said in a statement. “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.” Said Don Henley: “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. We know our many fans join us in wishing him well.” Smith joined the group in 2001, effectively replacing Don Felder after an acrimonious split between that instrumental mainstay of the band and the other members.