Every member of the Eagles shaped their signature sound. While many have tried to imagine the band with different lineups, there’s no replacing the unique elements that Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, Don Felder, and Joe Walsh each brought. From Frey and Henley’s songwriting to Leadon’s banjo and Felder and Walsh’s guitar finesse, the original lineup created something timeless. Despite later changes, Henley found a remarkable ally in Steuart Smith, who stepped up after Felder’s departure.
By the late ‘80s, a reunion of the original Eagles lineup seemed impossible. Frey and Henley had established successful solo careers, and any hope for reconciliation appeared faint. Yet, when the Hell Freezes Over tour was announced, it brought a surprising and long-awaited reunion of the last classic lineup.
But while the reunion thrilled fans, for Felder, it soured over pay disputes. He ultimately left, discontent with being undervalued despite his contributions, including co-writing the iconic “Hotel California” riff. Feeling shortchanged compared to his bandmates, Felder stepped away, leaving a void the band later filled with Smith.
Though not an “official” Eagle, Smith played an essential role in the band’s final chapter. He earned writing credits on Long Road Out of Eden, the Eagles’ 2007 comeback album, and toured with them, tackling Felder’s former parts. Henley appreciated Smith’s energy and collaborative spirit, calling him “quite a musician” and lauding his presence for adding a “much-needed creative spark” to the band. “He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen,” Henley said. “He’s ready when you need him but isn’t intrusive.”
Smith’s seamless ability to harmonize with Walsh on “Hotel California” and add depth on tracks like “Waiting in the Weeds” proved he understood the band’s essence. Although Smith saw himself as a “hired gun” rather than a full-fledged member, he was key to keeping the Eagles’ sound alive in their later years. Reflecting on his role, Smith once remarked, “I’m one part hired gun, one part collaborator. I’m one of the guitar players, but I’m not an Eagle. I don’t know what it’s like to be one of those guys.”
While the Eagles’ golden days may lie in the past, Smith’s contributions gave the band a fitting final chapter, paying tribute to a sound only they could create.
