The Eagles kicked off their first Sphere show of 2025 on Jan. 17, continuing the residency they began in 2024. However, fans noticed a change on stage — the addition of a new guitarist.
Chris Holt, an accomplished musician from Dallas, joined the band’s touring lineup. “Shit’s gonna get very interesting for me this week,” Holt wrote on Facebook ahead of his first performance with the Eagles. In an Instagram clip, Don Henley introduced Holt to the audience.
Holt is stepping in for longtime Eagles guitarist Steuart Smith, who has been diagnosed with Parkinsonism, a group of conditions that cause movement difficulties. Holt will perform with the band through their Sphere residency, which runs until April.
A seasoned musician, Holt has played with several original bands, classic rock tribute acts, and Max Weinberg’s Jukebox. According to his website, his collaborations include a roster of rock legends such as Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, and the Doobie Brothers. Most recently, he toured with Mike Campbell’s Dirty Knobs.