Paul Barrere, the longtime guitarist for the rock group Little Feat, will take a leave of absence from the band later this year to receive treatment for hepatitis C, according to a statement by Barrere. He was diagnosed with hep C in 1994.

“For the past 20 years I have managed to control the effects of the disease with lifestyle changes and the love and support of my family and friends,” said Barrere. “During this time I’ve had regular check ups with a team of specialists at UCLA. These doctors have now advised that I should begin a treatment designed to eradicate the virus from my body. The treatment requires that I stay off the road for the next year, in order to give it the best possible chance for a successful result.”

To read the statement, click here.