Offspring Guitarist Noodles Steps Back From Live Shows for 'Serious' Health Issue

Noodles, the longtime guitarist of The Offspring, announced on Oct. 21 that he is stepping away from live performances to deal with a health issue. In a statement posted to social media, he described it as a “sudden and fairly serious health issue” but gave no details about the condition or how long he expects to be away.

The band has a short run of shows left on its calendar, and it is not yet clear who will play guitar in his place. Here is what the reports from Loudwire, Rock Cellar Magazine and Billboard say.

What did Noodles say in his statement?

According to all three outlets, Noodles wrote that he was announcing the news with deep sadness and needed to leave live performance “for a while.” He said his bandmates support him and will keep performing in his absence.

He added that he hopes to return to the stage soon and that he will miss fans. He thanked people for keeping him in their thoughts. Billboard reported that the statement was posted on Instagram on the morning of Oct. 21.

What is known about his condition?

Nothing beyond the statement itself. Loudwire noted that he did not say what the issue is related to. Billboard reported that a spokesperson for the group had not responded to its request for more information on his illness, the expected length of his absence or who would replace him.

Who is Noodles?

Noodles, whose given name is Kevin John Wasserman, is 63, according to Billboard. Rock Cellar reported that, along with singer Dexter Holland, he is the band’s longest-tenured member. He joined the Garden Grove, California, group in 1985.

Rock Cellar described him as a central figure in the band’s mainstream success, which it said peaked in the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2000s.

Which Offspring shows are still scheduled?

Billboard listed these upcoming dates:

• Oct. 24 at the Wiltern in Los Angeles
• Nov. 6 at SEMA Fest in Las Vegas
• Nov. 21 at the Corona Capital 2026 festival in Mexico City
• Jan. 16 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, part of the iHeartRadio ALTer Ego 2027 festival

Billboard said the band will take a break from the road between the November festival and the January show. The dates follow a year on the road for the Supercharged tour, which supports the band’s 11th studio album, released in 2024.

What does this mean for fans attending upcoming shows?

The band has not announced a replacement guitarist, according to Loudwire and Billboard. Rock Cellar reported that it appears the band intends to carry out its remaining dates without Noodles. The group has not publicly addressed whether any show will be changed or canceled.

The first test comes Oct. 24 in Los Angeles, just three days after the announcement. Loudwire noted that only a few shows remain on the schedule, so the practical effect is limited to a small number of dates for now. Whether Noodles can return by the January festival date has not been disclosed.

How have other musicians responded?

Billboard reported that fellow musicians posted messages of support. Simple Plan singer Pierre Bouvier wrote that he hopes Noodles is okay and called him a legend. Billboard said well wishes also came from Slightly Stoopid, The Early November and Sublime, among others.

Around Prague, based on reporting by Loudwire, Rock Cellar Magazine, Billboard