Famous OC Rock Band's Founder To Steps Away Due To 'Serious Health Issue'

GARDEN GROVE, CA — Noodles, the longstanding lead guitarist and background vocalist for rock band The Offspring, said he's taking a break from performing to focus on his health.

"It is with deep sadness that I have to announced that I need to step away from live performances for a while to deal with a sudden and fairy serious health issue," the statement on the band's Instagram said.

The 63-year-old guitarist, whose real name is Kevin John Wasserman, did not go into detail about what health issue he is currently facing.

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"The rest of the band has my back, is super supportive, and will keep rocking you all in my absence," Wasserman said.

He said he hopes to be back on stage "sooner rather than later."

"Until then, I will miss all of you will all of my heart," he said. "Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts. I really appreciate it."

The Offspring formed in 1984 in Garden Grove, and Wasserman soon became a part of the project a year later. He's played in the band on every studio album since then, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.