The Eagles returned to the Sphere in Las Vegas on January 17, kicking off their 2025 residency with a subtle yet significant change in their lineup. Taking the stage alongside the legendary band was guitarist Chris Holt, a Dallas-born musician now stepping into a role previously held by Steuart Smith.
Holt, an accomplished performer with an impressive résumé, signaled the importance of this moment on Facebook ahead of his debut, writing, "Shit's gonna get very interesting for me this week." Later, Don Henley officially introduced Holt to the audience, marking his first show as part of the Eagles’ touring ensemble.
Smith, who has been a cornerstone of the Eagles' sound for over 25 years, has retired from touring following his diagnosis with Parkinsonism, a group of movement disorders that made performing increasingly difficult.
In a heartfelt statement, Smith explained:
"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."
Henley also spoke warmly about Smith’s contributions:
"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."
Holt is no stranger to the spotlight, having performed with an impressive roster of artists that includes Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Stevie Nicks, and Jackson Browne, among others. He has also been a member of Mike Campbell’s Dirty Knobs, where his dual guitar interplay with Campbell earned him high praise.
In a 2024 interview with Buddy magazine, Holt described his approach to playing alongside Campbell:
"Mike and I do a ton of dual guitar interplay, and he gives me so much freedom to play like I want to play while supporting him. I know who the people are paying to see, so I stay within my bounds, but he's very generous with the way he lets me shine onstage. I want to keep doing this gig as long as he wants to keep doing it and as long as he wants me there!"
Holt’s connection to Don Henley goes back even further, having previously toured with the Eagles frontman. Speaking to Buddy, he expressed a desire to rejoin Henley should the opportunity arise:
"I'd love to keep working with Don if he wants to do another tour anytime. Obviously, that's a fun guitar gig, too, though considerably more scripted than the Knobs. It's such a rich catalog of songs."
Now, as part of the Eagles, Holt sees his new role as both an honour and a challenge. In a recent interview with The Dallas Morning News, he acknowledged the weight of filling the shoes of guitarists like Smith, Don Felder, and Bernie Leadon:
"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."
With Holt joining the band for their Sphere residency through April, fans will witness a seamless blend of the Eagles’ classic sound with the fresh energy he brings. Though Smith’s departure marks the end of an era, the Eagles’ commitment to excellence remains steadfast, ensuring their music continues to resonate as powerfully as ever.
