KISS co-founder and bassist Gene Simmons was hospitalized Tuesday afternoon following a car crash on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. The 76-year-old rock icon, known for his larger-than-life stage persona and iconic tongue, reportedly lost consciousness at the wheel before his Lincoln Navigator collided with a parked vehicle just before 1 p.m. PT.
According to reports, Simmons was driving along the winding coastal road when he suddenly passed out, leading to the low-speed impact. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and Simmons was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Fortunately, his injuries were described as minor, and he was released later that evening, returning home to recuperate under the care of his wife, Shannon Tweed.
Tweed provided an update to NBC4 Los Angeles, assuring fans that her husband is “fine and back to work.” Simmons himself echoed this sentiment in a statement to USA Today, downplaying the event with characteristic humor: “I’m a horrible driver anyway.” He attributed the fainting spell to dehydration, adding that he plans to “drink more water” moving forward.
The crash occurred on one of Malibu’s most treacherous stretches of road, where sharp curves and heavy traffic have long posed risks to drivers. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and authorities have not indicated any suspicion of impairment—only the medical episode as the apparent cause. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the details but released no further information on potential citations.
Just weeks ago, he was announced as a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, a prestigious award recognizing lifetime achievements in the performing arts—despite a playful jab at the event’s political undertones. KISS, the glam rock powerhouse Simmons co-founded with Paul Stanley in 1973, wrapped their final tour in 2023, but the band’s enduring legacy continues to influence generations of musicians.
This isn’t the first time Simmons has faced health scares; in 2022, he underwent knee replacement surgery and has been open about the physical toll of decades on the road. Yet, true to form, the Demon of KISS wasted no time bouncing back, reportedly already fielding calls about upcoming projects.
