KISS bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons was hospitalized following a car accident in Malibu, California, on Tuesday, October 7, according to People magazine.
Authorities from the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station confirmed that the collision occurred shortly before 1 p.m., when Simmons’ vehicle struck a parked car on the Pacific Coast Highway.
The Accident Details
Officials revealed that the 76-year-old musician’s SUV veered across multiple lanes of traffic before hitting the stationary vehicle. First responders reported that Simmons had passed out or fainted prior to impact — a claim he later confirmed when speaking to emergency personnel at the scene.
He was transported to a nearby hospital as a precautionary measure and was released shortly afterward with no serious injuries reported.
Shannon Tweed: “He’s Doing Just Fine”
Simmons’ wife, Shannon Tweed Simmons, spoke to NBC4 Los Angeles and reassured fans that her husband is safely recovering at home. She explained that the incident was linked to a recent change in his medication.
“Doctors had recently changed his medication and advised him to drink more water, which he’s not particularly fond of,” she said.
Tweed added that the fainting episode was an isolated event and that Gene is now resting comfortably.
Gene Simmons Responds: “It Happens”
Shortly after news of the accident broke, Simmons took to X (formerly Twitter) to personally address concerned fans. His response carried the humor and self-awareness that KISS followers have come to expect.
“Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes. I’m completely fine,” Simmons wrote.
“I had a slight fender bender. It happens. Especially to those of us who are horrible drivers. And that’s me. All is well.”
The musician’s light-hearted comment helped ease fan concerns and confirmed that he had already returned home to recover.
Medication Change Likely Caused the Episode
According to NBC4 Los Angeles, Simmons told first responders that he believed he had fainted because of new medication adjustments made in recent days. His wife later confirmed this connection, emphasizing that doctors are monitoring his recovery closely.
The Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station has not filed any charges, and no other injuries were reported in the incident. The parked car sustained only minor damage.
Fans Send Well-Wishes
After his post went viral, thousands of fans flooded Simmons’ social-media pages with well-wishes. Many praised his quick recovery and trademark humor, while others expressed relief that the incident wasn’t more serious.
Fellow musicians and members of the KISS community also shared their support, noting that the bassist’s resilience mirrors his decades-long reputation as one of rock’s hardest-working performers.
KISS Icon Still Going Strong at 76
Even at 76, Gene Simmons continues to stay active. Following KISS’s official farewell tour, the bassist has been involved in multiple business ventures, TV appearances, and charity events. He recently hinted at working on new music projects and expanding his Gene Simmons Vault collection series.
The minor accident may temporarily slow him down, but it’s clear Simmons isn’t planning to step away from the spotlight anytime soon.
A Reminder of Rock’s Human Side
While the fender bender was relatively minor, the incident underscores the health realities faced by aging rock icons who have spent decades on the road. Fans expressed gratitude that Simmons escaped without injury — and admiration for his transparency and humor in addressing the situation directly.
With his signature bravado intact and the support of Shannon Tweed and their fans, Simmons appears ready to put the mishap behind him.
