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Guitarist Steuart Smith retiring from the Eagles after Parkinsonism diagnosis

BBG News

The Eagles are currently performing without their touring guitarist Steuart Smith, who has temporarily left the band due to health concerns.

As a film critic, I’m compelled to share my personal news: Due to challenges arising from my recently diagnosed Parkinsonism, I must sadly step away from my role with the Eagles, choosing to do so with dignity while I can. This decision wasn’t made lightly, and I hope you understand my need to prioritize my health at this time. At the moment, representatives for both myself and the Eagles are yet to comment on this matter.

The musician, who’s been part of the band since 2001, expressed that it’s been an incredible 25 years and, while he wished to complete this year with the group, he stated that he “needs to make decisions that are in everyone’s best interest now.

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During the weekend, the well-established Los Angeles country-rock band began a 20-show engagement at a modern concert hall located near the Las Vegas Strip.

Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism are frequently confused due to their similarities, but they are not one and the same. The term “Parkinsonism” encompasses various conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, that exhibit comparable symptoms and characteristics but stem from distinct origins, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic. Key features may include sluggish movements, rigidity, difficulties with walking and maintaining balance, tremors, as well as non-motor symptoms such as alterations in mood, cognition, speech, sleep patterns, and more. It’s important to note that Parkinson’s disease, which arises from a lack of the neurotransmitter dopamine, accounts for about 80% of all diagnosed cases of Parkinsonism.

Smith was present during the debut of the “Hotel California” creators’ Las Vegas residency at the Sphere in September. However, when the band restarted their residency at the spherical venue on January 17th, Chris Holt took over for the missing guitarist because Smith had retired from touring, as confirmed by Eagles co-founder Don Henley in a statement to American Songwriter last week.

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Known for contributing to the development of the country-rock genre popular in Southern California during the 1970s, J.D. Souther collaborated on writing several successful songs for the Eagles, such as ‘New Kid in Town’ and ‘Best of My Love’, and also worked with Linda Ronstadt to create ‘Faithless Love’. He was involved in other chart-topping hits as well.

The Eagles will eternally appreciate the exceptional abilities he brought to our studio sessions and live shows. Steuart’s talent will be deeply missed, yet he will forever remain an integral member of our musical clan. We believe our numerous fans extend their best wishes to him as well.” – Henley said.

2001 saw Smith become part of the Eagles following Don Felder’s dismissal, yet he hasn’t always been acknowledged as a permanent member of the group. Known for his versatility in various instruments, Smith declared in the 2013 “History of the Eagles” documentary that he isn’t an official Eagle. However, he frequently collaborates with Henley on solo ventures and has worked alongside music icons like Bob Dylan and Ringo Starr. Moreover, his country music background is impressive, having teamed up with artists such as Rosanne Cash, Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, among others.

In his assessment of “The Eagles: Live in Concert at the Sphere,” the pop music critic for The Times, Mikael Wood, stated that the performance was centered heavily on the music itself, maintaining a consistent emphasis since long ago. In November, the band expanded their run to encompass 32 shows spanning 16 weekends, and they will conclude this residency on April 12th.

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Anita Dobson reports that following a ‘minor stroke’ this past summer, her husband Brian May has resumed playing piano and acoustic guitar, despite initially experiencing loss of movement in his arm.

The residency takes place during what’s being called a final tour by the Eagles, which began in late 2023. The band has vowed to keep expanding this tour as long as fans continue attending. Since Glenn Frey’s passing in 2016, Don Henley is now the only original member remaining in the group. J.D. Souther, a collaborator who helped write many of the Eagles’ famous songs, passed away at 78 in September, and Randy Meisner, another founder known for his lead vocal on “Take It to the Limit,” died last year at 77.

The present lineup of this band consists of Henley, bassist Timothy B. Schmit, and guitarist Joe Walsh, who have been members since the mid-70s. Over the years, country star Gill and Frey’s son Deacon have also temporarily joined as replacements.

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2025-01-28 01:31

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