Eagles Guitarist Steuart Smith Retiring from Band After Parkinsonism Diagnosis

Mar. 15, 2025

Steuart Smith performs in Los Angeles in February 2016.Photo:Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Eaglesguitarist Steuart Smith is retiring from the rock band following a Parkinsonism diagnosis.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Smith, 72, revealed that he will be leaving the band, known for songs such as “Hotel California” and “Lyin' Eyes.”

“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.

“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.”

According to theParkinson’s Foundation, Parkinsonism is “a set of movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease and other disorders.” Symptoms include “slow movements along with stiffness, walking and balance issues and/or tremor.”

Joe Walsh and Steuart Smith perform in Las Vegas in September 2019.Ethan Miller/Getty

Ethan Miller/Getty

Don Henley, a founding member of The Eagles, also praised Smith for his tenure.

“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," Henley, 77, said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

“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.”

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Smith has performed withRosanne Cash, Shawn Colvin,Rodney CrowellandWynonna Juddamong other artists. He joined The Eagles in 2001, essentially replacingformer lead guitarist Don Felderafter Felder, 77, was fired from the band.

Throughout his tenure with The Eagles, Smith was known for performing with a twin-necked guitar. He co-wrote several songs on the band’s 2007 albumLong Road Out of Eden.

Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B.Schmit and Steuart Smith in 2010.Picture Perfect/Shutterstock

Picture Perfect/Shutterstock

The Eagles were formed in 1972 with founding members Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner.

source: people.com