Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman, founding guitarist of punk rock band The Offspring, is stepping away from live performances to address what he described as a sudden and serious health issue.
Wasserman, 63, announced the decision in an Instagram post but did not specify the nature of his illness. He said the rest of the band remains supportive and will continue touring without him while he focuses on recovery.
“It is with deep sadness that I have to announce that I need to step away from live performances for a while to deal with a sudden and fairly serious health issue,” Wasserman wrote.
He added that the band “has my back, is super supportive, and will keep rocking you all in my absence,” and said he hopes “to be back on stage sooner rather than later.”
“Until then, I will miss all of you with all of my heart. Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts. I really appreciate it,” he wrote.
The post drew a flood of supportive comments from fans and fellow musicians. Simple Plan’s Pierre Bouvier wrote, “Hope you’re OK brother. Sending love and positivity. You’re a legend…. You got this.” Pennywise frontman Jim Lindberg wrote, “Get back ripping quick Noodz!!” and the band Garbage offered, “Sending love to you Noodles. You are the best. You’ve got this.” Professional skateboarder Steve Caballero also wrote that he hoped Wasserman would “heal quickly and recover healthier than ever.”
A Founding Member of the Band
The Offspring formed in the 1980s in Garden Grove, California, originally under the name Maniac Subsidal, with Bryan “Dexter” Holland on vocals, bassist Greg “K” Kriesel, drummer James Lilja and Noodles on guitar.
The band released its self-titled debut album in 1989 and achieved moderate success with its third album, “Smash,” in 1994. After signing with Columbia Records, the group released “Ixnay on the Hombre” in 1997, followed a year later by “Americana,” which produced the hit singles “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy),” “Why Don’t You Get a Job?” and “The Kids Aren’t Alright.”
Touring Schedule Continues
Wasserman last performed with The Offspring in San Diego on Oct. 18. The band is scheduled to play Los Angeles this Saturday and has additional dates planned through November. The group is also set to headline the iHeartRadio ALTer Ego 2027 festival in Los Angeles on Jan. 16.
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