The Eagles performed their first Sphere present of 2025 on Jan. 17, persevering with the residency they began in 2024. However one thing is completely different — there is a new guitarist on stage.
His title is Chris Holt, an achieved musician who hails from Dallas. “Shit’s gonna get very fascinating for me this week,” he posted on Fb not lengthy earlier than taking part in his first present with the Eagles. Within the Instagram clip beneath, Don Henley will be seen introducing Holt to the viewers.
Holt is becoming a member of the touring lineup since longtime Eagles guitarist Steuart Smith has been recognized with Parkinsonism, a time period that refers to a set of circumstances that trigger bother with motion. Holt will likely be with the band for his or her Sphere live shows by way of April.
“It’s with profound remorse that, as a result of efficiency points related to my just lately recognized Parkinsonism, I discover that I have to bow out of my function with the Eagles whereas I can nonetheless accomplish that gracefully,” Smith mentioned in an announcement. “It has been an awesome quarter of a century, and I had hoped to have the ability to end out this yr with the band, however I have to now do what’s greatest for all involved.”
“Steuart Smith has retired from touring,” Henley added. “The Eagles will likely be ceaselessly grateful for the extraordinary skills that he delivered to each our recordings and stay performances. Steuart will likely be drastically missed, however he’ll at all times be part of our musical household. We all know our many followers be a part of us in wishing him nicely.”
Chris Holt’s Background and Expertise
Holt has carried out with a variety of his personal authentic bands, in addition to a number of traditional rock tribute acts and Max Weinberg’s Jukebox. The record of artists he has carried out with, in response to his web site, reads like a who’s who of rock ‘n’ roll: Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, the Doobie Brothers and plenty of extra.
Most just lately, he is been a touring member of Mike Campbell‘s Soiled Knobs.
“Mike and I do a ton of twin guitar interaction, and he provides me a lot freedom to play like I wish to play whereas supporting him,” Holt defined to Buddy journal in January of 2024. “I do know who the individuals are paying to see, so I keep inside my bounds, however he is very beneficiant with the best way he lets me shine onstage. I wish to hold doing this gig so long as he needs to maintain doing it and so long as he needs me there!”
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In the identical interview, Holt, who has toured with Henley beforehand, appeared to manifest this new profession transfer.
“I would like to hold working with Don if he needs to do one other tour anytime,” he mentioned. “Clearly, that is a enjoyable guitar gig, too, although significantly extra scripted than the Knobs. It is such a wealthy catalog of songs.”
Holt just lately spoke with The Dallas Morning Information about his new job.
“I am attempting to fill the enormous sneakers of all three that got here earlier than me,” Holt mentioned, referring to Smith, Don Felder and Bernie Leadon. “It is among the most stunning guitar work ever recorded, for my part. It is the very best honor for me to do it, and it is my obligation to get it proper.”
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Gallery Credit score: Nick DeRiso
