Eagles star announces retirement after shock health diagnosis
Steuart Smith, the lead guitarist of iconic rock band The Eagles has announced his retirement.
The 72-year-old musician, who joined the band back in 2001, shared that he would be leaving the band following a shock health diagnosis.
"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 told People magazine.
"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 Parkinsons.org.uk, parkinsonism is "an umbrella term used to cover a range of conditions that share similar symptoms to Parkinson's".
Bandmate and founding member of The Eagles, Don Henley, also released a statement praising Smith's talents, adding that the group will "be forever grateful" for his contributions to the band and their tour.
“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," he told the publication.
"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."
The Eagles, were formed in 1972 with founding members Henley, Glenn Frey, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner. They are known for their hit songs like Hotel California and Lyin Eyes.
Image: SplashNews.com/ Shutterstock Editorial