Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman, The Offspring founder and guitarist, was forced to take a break from performing due to a serious health issue.
Wasserman, 63, did not disclose his illness, but noted that his band “is super supportive” of his decision and ready to keep touring 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 shared in a post on Instagram.
“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.”
He added, “Until then, I will miss all of you with all of my heart. Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts. I really appreciate it.”
Hundreds of thousands of fans showed support on the post, with messages of love and strength flooding the comments.
Simple Plan’s Pierre Bouvier wrote, “Hope you’re OK brother. Sending love and positivity. You’re a legend…. You got this.”
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“Get back ripping quick Noodz!!,” Pennywise frontman Jim Lindberg wrote, while the band Garbage wrote, “Sending love to you Noodles. You are the best. You’ve got this.”
Professional skateboarder Steve Caballero wrote, “Dude, so sorry to hear about this and I hope and pray 🙏🏼 that you heal quickly and recover healthier than ever ❤️❤️- much love my friend.”
Originally named Maniac Subsidal, The Offspring first formed in the ’80s out of Garden Grove, Calif., with Bryan “Dexter” Holland on vocals, bassist Greg “K” Kriesel and drummer James Lilja, in addition to Noodles on guitar.
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They released their first, self-titled album in 1989 and found moderate success with their third album, “Smash,” in 1994 before signing with Columbia Records and releasing “Ixnay on the Hombre” in ’97 and the widely celebrated “Americana” one year later, which included the commercial hits “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy),” “Why Don’t You Get a Job?” and “The Kids Aren’t Alright.”
Noodles last played with the Offspring in San Diego on Oct. 18, and the band is scheduled to perform in Los Angeles on Saturday.
The band has multiple gigs scheduled in November, and is set to headline the iHeartRadio ALTer Ego 2027 festival in Los Angeles on Jan. 16.