Kevin ‘Noodles’ Wasserman, the longtime guitarist of American punk rock band the Offspring, has announced he is stepping away from live performances after developing a sudden and potentially serious health problem.
The 63-year-old musician, who has played with the California group since the 1980s, confirmed the decision in a statement posted on X on Wednesday (21.10.26.)
Kevin said he had the support of his bandmates and hoped to return to the stage, although he did not disclose the nature of his condition or indicate how long he expected to be absent.
The announcement comes during Offspring’s Supercharged tour, with further performances scheduled in California.
Kevin wrote: “It is with deep sadness that I have to announce that I need to step away from live performance for a while to deal with a sudden and fairly serious health issue.”
He explained the other members of the group had been supportive of his decision and that the band intended to continue performing without him.
Kevin said his bandmates were “super supportive” and reassured fans the Offspring would “keep rocking” while he was away.
He added: “I hope to be back on stage sooner rather than later.”
The guitarist continued: “Until then, I will miss all of you with all of my heart.”
He concluded: “Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts. I really appreciate it.”
Fans responded to the announcement with messages of support and hopes for his recovery.
One X user wrote: “Take care of yourself, Noodles! We all love you, you got this.”
Another added: “Wishing you a full and swift recovery Noodles.”
Offspring has been touring in support of its 11th studio album, Supercharged, released in October 2024.
The tour included a performance in Bakersfield, California, on 16 January, and the group has further appearances scheduled at the Wiltern in Los Angeles on Saturday, 24 October, and the Garden Amp in Garden Grove on 7 November.
The Offspring have not identified who will take over Kevin’s guitar duties during his absence.
They were formed in Orange County, California, in 1984 by singer Bryan “Dexter” Holland, 60, and original bassist Greg Kriesel, 61, who is widely known as Greg K.
Kevin joined the band in 1985 and became one of its longest-serving members, playing guitar during its rise from the Southern California punk scene to international commercial success.
The group released its self-titled debut album in 1989, followed by Ignition in 1992.
Its breakthrough came with Smash in 1994, which featured the singles Come Out and Play, Self Esteem and Gotta Get Away.
Smash became one of the biggest-selling independently released rock albums, helping bring punk rock to a wider audience during the 1990s.
The band followed that success with Ixnay on the Hombre in 1997 and Americana in 1998, the latter featuring Pretty Fly (for a White Guy), Why Don’t You Get a Job? and The Kids Aren’t Alright.
Its subsequent releases included Conspiracy of One, Splinter, Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace, Days Go By and Let the Bad Times Roll.
The group has also received industry recognition, winning Modern Rock Artist of the Year at the 1999 Billboard Music Awards and Best Rock Artist at the MTV Europe Music Awards that year.
The Offspring’s touring personnel have included bassist Todd Morse, 57, and drummer Brandon Pertzborn, 31. Former members include drummers Ron Welty, 55, Pete Parada, 52, and James Lilja, as well as founding bassist Greg.
Kevin has also regularly appeared alongside Dexter in interviews about the band’s history, its early performances and the continued popularity of its 1990s recordings.
The group’s most recent album, Supercharged, was produced by Bob Rock, 72, whose credits include work with Metallica, Mötley Crüe and Bon Jovi.
The record features the singles Make It All Right, Light It Up and OK, But This Is the Last Time.