Earlier this month, the Eagles made a major lineup change. Longtime guitarist Steuart Smith chose to step down and retire from touring due to his diagnosis of Parkinsonism. Dallas, Texas-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Chris Holt took his place. This lineup change left many of the band’s fans with one question: Who is he?
Holt might be a new face for Eagles fans but he’s no stranger to the stage. A jack of all trades, so to speak, Holt plays guitar, piano, bass, drums, pedal steel, lap steel, mandolin, ukulele, and harmonica. According to his website, he has played alongside many of the biggest names in country and classic rock. He has shared the stage with the likes of Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, The Doobie Brothers, Derek Trucks, Chris Stapleton, Steve Earle, Clint Black, and many more.
Videos by American Songwriter
Holt is a songwriter who, in recent years, released original music with his band Bastards of Soul. The band released three critically acclaimed albums. Additionally, Holt is right at home playing other artists’ music. He has been in several cover bands including Live & Let Die, Hard Nights Day, Big Mike’s Box of Rock, and Band on the Run.
In 2020, Holt started a YouTube series called Chris Holt’s All Request Thursday to help offset the loss of touring and performing revenue during the pandemic. He kept the series going for four years and recorded 99 episodes. So, Eagles fans can go and hear Holt play and sing to get a feel for what he’ll bring to the band.
In 2022, Holt joined Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs which allowed him to play alongside his musical hero, the former axeman for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
Chris Holt Toured with Don Henley Before Joining the Eagles
Some Eagles fans may have watched him play guitar with Don Henley without knowing it. In a 2024 interview with Buddy Magazine, Holt recalled joining Henley on one of his solo tours.
“I’d love to keep working with Don if he wants to do another tour anytime,” Holt said. “Obviously, that’s a fun guitar gig, too, though considerably more scripted than the Knobs. It’s such a rich catalog of songs,” he added. “He’s been out with the Eagles for a while, and they’re still on a Farewell Tour for another year or two, who knows what his plans are.”
Last Friday (January 17) Holt got his wish when he joined Henley and the rest of the band at Sphere in Las Vegas to replace Steuart Smith.
Featured Image by Harmony Gerber/Getty Image
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