ORANGE COUNTY, CA. (THECOUNT) — Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman, lead guitarist and co-founder of rock band The Offspring, has announced he is temporarily stepping away from live performances and touring to address a sudden and fairly serious health issue.
Noodles shared the announcement in a personal statement, telling fans he would be absent from the stage for an unspecified period. He did not disclose the nature of the health problem or provide a timeline for his return.
Advertisement
“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,” Noodles wrote.
The guitarist said his bandmates have been supportive and intend to continue performing during his absence, reassuring fans that the group will carry on while he focuses on his health.
“The rest of the band has my back, is super supportive, and will keep rocking you all in my absence,” he said. “I hope to be back on stage sooner rather than later. Until then, I will miss all of you with all of my heart.”
Noodles closed the announcement by thanking fans for their concern and support, writing, “Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts. I really appreciate it.”
The statement offered no further details about his condition, treatment or whether upcoming concert dates will be changed. The band has not provided a confirmed date for Noodles’ return to the stage in the information available for this report.
https://t.co/MzwPwtDmxN
— The Offspring (@offspring) October 21, 2026
Noodles is best known as the lead guitarist of The Offspring, the California punk-rock band that helped bring the genre to a worldwide audience with hits including “Come Out and Play,” “Self Esteem” and “Pretty Fly (for a White Guy).” He co-founded the group with singer and guitarist Dexter Holland, and his distinctive guitar work has been part of the band’s sound throughout its career.
The Offspring formed in Garden Grove, in Orange County, Southern California, and went on to become one of the most commercially successful acts associated with the 1990s punk-rock revival. The group has continued touring and releasing music across multiple decades.
For now, Noodles’ message leaves fans waiting for further information about his health and his eventual return to performing. His announcement indicates that the break is temporary, although no specific timetable has been announced.
Orange County is the Southern California region where The Offspring originated. The statement did not identify a specific location connected to Noodles’ health issue.
DEVELOPING::