Eagles Has A New Member and Lineup After Health Challenges

The Eagles kicked off their first Sphere show of the year on Jan. 17, and fans noticed a new face on stage. Dallas-born guitarist Chris Holt has joined the legendary band for their 2025 residency, stepping into a significant role as the group’s latest touring guitarist.

Just before his first performance with the Eagles, Holt shared his excitement on Facebook: “Shit’s gonna get very interesting for me this week.” Don Henley introduced Holt to the crowd during the show, marking his official debut with the band.

Filling Big Shoes: Holt Joins Amid Change

Holt’s arrival comes after longtime Eagles guitarist Steuart Smith stepped down due to his recent Parkinsonism diagnosis. Parkinsonism refers to a group of conditions that affect movement, making it challenging for Smith to continue performing.

In a heartfelt statement, Smith said:

“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 expressed gratitude for Smith’s contributions over the years:

“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.”

Holt will accompany the Eagles for their Sphere residency shows through April, carrying forward the band’s iconic guitar legacy.

Chris Holt: A Versatile Talent

Holt’s impressive resume includes working with rock legends like Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Stevie Nicks, and more. Most recently, he toured with Mike Campbell’s Dirty Knobs, where he showcased his guitar skills in a dynamic setting. Speaking about his time with Campbell, Holt told Buddy magazine:

“He gives me so much freedom to play like I want to play while supporting him. It’s a blast, and I hope to keep doing it as long as he wants me there.”

Having previously toured with Henley, Holt seemed ready for this opportunity. Last year, he shared his admiration for the Eagles’ music:

“It’s such a rich catalog of songs. It’s the highest honor for me to do it, and it’s my duty to get it right.”

Holt is dedicated to paying tribute to the guitar playing of former Eagles players such as Smith, Don Felder, and Bernie Leadon. Holt’s skill and commitment will undoubtedly infuse the Eagles’ iconic sound with new vitality.