KISS legend Gene Simmons is recovering at home after a frightening car accident on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, left the 76-year-old rock icon hospitalized on Tuesday, October 8, 2025.
The crash occurred just before 1 p.m. in the 25000 block of Pacific Coast Highway when Simmons’ Lincoln Navigator veered across several lanes of traffic before colliding with a parked car. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the KISS bassist and vocalist told responding deputies he had either passed out or fainted while driving.
Witnesses called 911, and both deputies and firefighters responded to the scene. Simmons was found speaking with first responders and was transported to a local hospital as a precautionary measure. He was released the same day and returned home to recover.
Shannon Tweed, Simmons’ wife, provided additional details about the incident to NBC4 Los Angeles. She explained that doctors had recently changed her husband’s medications and advised him to increase his water intake, something she noted he dislikes doing. Tweed indicated that the medication changes could have contributed to dehydration, potentially leading to the fainting episode.
Two days after the accident, on Wednesday, October 9, Simmons addressed the incident directly on social media platform X. “Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes I’m completely fine,” he wrote, characterizing the crash as a slight fender bender. He acknowledged his driving abilities with characteristic humor, admitting the incident happens especially to those who are horrible drivers, noting that description fits him.
The sheriff’s department spokesperson confirmed to multiple outlets that the crash involved a black Lincoln Navigator striking a parked vehicle, with the driver potentially suffering a medical emergency before the collision. However, they could not officially identify the driver involved due to privacy protocols.
A representative for KISS told Billboard that Simmons was already back to work following the incident. The rock legend also left a voicemail message for NBC4 Los Angeles confirming he was doing fine and recovering well at home.
This incident comes as KISS prepares for several upcoming appearances. The band is scheduled to reunite next month for the first time since retiring from touring in 2023. The KISS Army Storms Vegas event, celebrating 50 years as a group, will take place from November 14-16 in Las Vegas. The event will feature an “unmasked” Simmons alongside Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and other special guests.
Additionally, KISS will receive recognition at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors under President Donald Trump’s leadership of the organization. Stanley previously expressed the band’s honor at the recognition, stating that from their earliest days, KISS embodied the American ideal that all things are possible through hard work. He accepted the honor on behalf of the long legacy of KISS and all band members who helped create the iconic group.
The accident adds to recent health concerns within the KISS community. Ace Frehley, the band’s co-founder and former guitarist, recently canceled the remaining dates of his 2025 tour due to ongoing medical issues following a fall that resulted in hospitalization. The 74-year-old had announced last month that he couldn’t make a scheduled performance in California after suffering what he described as a minor fall in his studio.
Fans responded positively to Simmons’ social media update, expressing relief that he emerged from the accident without serious injury. Many commented on his post sharing their concerns and well-wishes for his continued recovery.
The Pacific Coast Highway, where the accident occurred, is known for its scenic oceanside views but can present challenging driving conditions. The sheriff’s department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, though no other injuries were reported from the incident.
Simmons, known as “The Demon” during KISS performances, has been a central figure in rock music for five decades. The band sold millions of records throughout the 1970s and became famous for their elaborate pyrotechnic stadium shows and comic book-inspired personas.
