Every member of the Eagles helped shape the band’s signature sound. Whether it was Glenn Frey and Don Henley’s songwriting, Bernie Leadon’s banjo skills, or the guitar prowess of Don Felder and Joe Walsh, each contributed something unique. When Felder left the band, Steuart Smith was brought in, a move Henley saw as the next best thing.
By the late 1980s, the idea of a full Eagles reunion seemed impossible. Frey and Henley were both enjoying successful solo careers, but when they announced the Hell Freezes Over tour with the original lineup, it felt like a dream come true for fans.
However, the reunion wasn’t as smooth for Felder. After seeing that his paycheck was smaller than his bandmates’, he left, feeling underappreciated. It was a hard pill to swallow, especially for someone who had co-written the iconic “Hotel California.”
Despite Felder’s departure, the Eagles proved they still had the magic when they released Long Road Out of Eden. The album allowed them to make a true comeback, and it was Smith who helped reignite their creative spark. Although not an official member of the band, Smith earned writing credits on the album and flawlessly took over Felder’s guitar parts on tour.
In a conversation with the Washington Post, Don Henley praised Steuart Smith’s contributions to the Eagles, stating, “Steuart’s quite a musician, and he’s added a lot of much-needed creative spark to the band. He’s been instrumental in the writing process for the new album. He’s just great to have around because he’s ready when you need him, but he’s not intrusive. He’s incredible—one of the best I’ve ever seen and among the few who could step into this role and handle it as gracefully as he has.”
While fans might miss Felder’s iconic leads, Smith has proven his worth, particularly when harmonizing with Walsh on classics like “Hotel California.” His understanding of the Eagles’ sound is evident, especially on songs like “Waiting in the Weeds.”
Still, Smith remains humble about his role, acknowledging in History of the Eagles that he’s a mix of “hired gun and collaborator.” He may not be an official Eagle, but his contributions continue to be crucial to the band’s success.
