Offspring guitarist Noodles steps away from live shows over 'serious health issue'

What was announced

The Offspring guitarist Kevin 'Noodles' Wasserman said on October 21 that he is stepping away from live performances after what he called a 'sudden and fairly serious health issue.' He made the announcement in a statement posted to the band's social media accounts, including Instagram, according to Loudwire and Parade. ^{[1] [2]}

Wasserman did not say what the condition is or how long he expects to be away. He said he hopes to return to the stage 'sooner rather than later,' according to Loudwire. He also said his bandmates support him and will continue performing without him, Parade reported. ^{[1] [2]}

No replacement guitarist had been named as of the reports published October 21, and Loudwire said it was unclear who would fill in. ^{[1] [2]}

Upcoming shows

The band's next appearance is the Rock 2 Freedom benefit at the Wiltern in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 24, according to Parade. Three further dates are listed: SEMA Fest in Las Vegas on November 6, Corona Capital in Mexico City on November 21, and a Los Angeles show on January 16, 2027, per Parade and The Needle Drop. The Needle Drop identifies the January date as the iHeartRadio ALTer Ego event at the Kia Forum. ^{[2] [3]}

None of the outlets reported any cancellations. Parade said the remaining members intend to keep the schedule. The band lists tour information at offspring.com/tour, Loudwire noted. ^{[1] [2]}

Background

Wasserman, 63, co-founded the band in Garden Grove, California, in 1984, when it went by the name Manic Subsidal, Parade reported. He and singer Dexter Holland are the only two members to appear on every Offspring album. ^[2]

The group's 1994 album Smash is widely cited as the best-selling independent-label album of all time, and its single 'Come Out and Play' topped the Modern Rock chart, Parade said. The band has sold more than 40 million records, and its most recent studio album, Supercharged, came out in 2024. ^[2]

Wasserman's most recent show was at Mission Bayfest in San Diego on October 18, according to Parade, three days before the announcement. ^[2]

What is not known

The nature of the health issue, the expected length of Wasserman's absence, and whether a touring substitute will join the band for the October 24 show have not been disclosed in the coverage reviewed. Whether any of the four remaining dates will change has not been stated by the band. Any update would most likely come through the band's official social accounts and tour page. ^{[1] [2] [3]}