The Offspring guitarist Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman has announced a temporary break from live performances after a sudden and “fairly serious” health issue, with the band planning to continue its scheduled shows in his absence.
The Offspring guitarist Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman is stepping away from live performances to deal with a sudden and fairly serious health issue, with the band preparing to continue its upcoming shows without one of its founding members.
Noodles announced the news on 21 October 2026 in a joint Instagram post with The Offspring. He did not disclose the nature of the health issue, but indicated that he hopes the break will be temporary.
“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 rest of the band has my back, is super supportive, and will keep rocking you all in my absence. I hope 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.
“Noodles”
The announcement came three days after The Offspring performed at Mission Bayfest in San Diego on 18 October. The guitarist’s statement did not establish a return date, and the band has not publicly identified a replacement for its forthcoming performances.
The immediate priority is Noodles’ health. His message also made clear that the remaining members intend to keep the band active while he takes time away from the stage.
The Offspring’s scheduled appearances include The Wiltern in Los Angeles on 24 October, SEMA Fest in Las Vegas on 6 November and Corona Capital in Mexico City on 21 November. The band is also listed for iHeartRadio ALTer Ego at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on 16 January 2027. No cancellations or postponements were announced in the statement supplied with the news.
Noodles has been part of The Offspring since its formative years, becoming one of the defining figures in a band that helped take American punk rock into the mainstream during the 1990s.
Born Kevin John Wasserman on 4 February 1963, he joined the group when it was still known as Manic Subsidal. His nickname is commonly associated with his guitar noodling, the improvised playing that became part of his musical identity.
Alongside vocalist and guitarist Bryan “Dexter” Holland, Noodles has been a constant presence across The Offspring’s studio album catalogue. The partnership helped carry the group from its early independent releases to international success.
The band’s self-titled debut was released in 1989. Its breakthrough came with Smash in 1994, an Epitaph Records release that became one of the most successful independent albums of its era. Songs including Come Out And Play and Self Esteem introduced The Offspring to a much wider audience and helped establish the group as a major force in alternative rock.
The success of Smash changed the band’s prospects. Noodles had previously worked as a janitor at an elementary school in Garden Grove, California, while pursuing music. The album’s commercial breakthrough helped make a full-time career with The Offspring possible.
The group subsequently moved to Columbia Records, releasing albums including Ixnay On The Hombre, Americana and Conspiracy Of One. Later releases included Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace, Days Go By, Let The Bad Times Roll and 2024’s Supercharged.
Across those decades, Noodles remained central to the band’s guitar sound and live identity through multiple personnel changes.
The announcement prompted messages of support from fellow musicians. Simple Plan vocalist Pierre Bouvier was among those responding, writing: “Hope you’re OK brother. Sending love and positivity. You’re a legend… you got this.”
Noodles’ decision to step away leaves The Offspring facing upcoming performances without a guitarist whose association with the band stretches back more than four decades. His absence is a significant change for a group whose long-running partnership between Noodles and Dexter Holland has been central to its identity.
The band has not provided further information about the guitarist’s condition, and there is no confirmed timetable for his return. His own statement offers hope that he will be back on stage, but makes clear that he needs time away from performing.
For now, The Offspring will continue with their scheduled commitments while Noodles concentrates on his recovery. His message to fans was one of appreciation for their support, accompanied by the hope that the break from live shows will not be a long one.
The Offspring Upcoming Shows
24 October 2026, Los Angeles, The Wiltern
6 November 2026, Las Vegas, SEMA Fest
21 November 2026, Mexico City, Corona Capital 2026
16 January 2027, Los Angeles, Kia Forum (iHeartRadio ALTer Ego 2027)
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