[Image courtesy of Paul Morigi/WireImage (via ABC News Radio)]

John Mayer doesn’t expect to return to live performing for a long time due to his vocal issues.

Speaking at the Grammys on The Hill event in Washington, D.C., Wednesday night, where he was honored, Mayer said his voice feels “OK” but he’s not capable of singing. He added that throat surgery is on the horizon, after which, he said, “I’m going to be taking myself out of the running for a good six months.”

Mayer and U.S. Democratic Representative Howard Berman of California were honored for their efforts to improve the nation’s music community and arts education.  More specifically, Mayer was saluted for his work in helping veterans make the transition back to civilian life when they return home.

Mayer said a trip to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where he met wounded vets a few years ago, had an impact on him. He said, “It is obviously inherently upsetting that these men and women are coming back with injuries, sort of visible and invisible, but I think after that I think everything can be sort of very positive and hopeful and there’s no need for it to spiral out of control.”

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