Gene Simmons, the 76-year-old bassist and co-founder of the rock band KISS, was hospitalised following a car crash on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on October 7. According to NBC4 Los Angeles, a witness called 911 after Simmons was seen veering across several lanes before crashing into a parked car around 1 p.m.
Simmons reportedly told responders that he had fainted behind the wheel. His wife, Shannon Simmons, later explained that his doctors had recently changed his medication, which may have contributed to the incident. She confirmed that he had been discharged from the hospital and was recovering at home.
The rocker reassured fans in a voice message to the outlet, stating he was 'doing fine'. He later posted on X: 'Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes. I'm completely fine. I had a slight fender bender. It happens. Especially to those of us [who are] horrible drivers. And that's me. All is well.'
Simmons has lived with atrial fibrillation (AFib) since the mid-2000s, a condition that causes an irregular and often rapid heart rate. In a 2016 appearance on The Doctors, he described experiencing dizziness, perspiration, and shortness of breath on stage, which led to his diagnosis. He noted that he manages the condition with rest and hydration.
The crash comes just weeks before KISS is set to perform for the first time since their 2023 retirement from touring. The 'KISS Army Storms Vegas' event, celebrating the band's 50th anniversary, will take place from November 14 to 16 in Las Vegas, featuring Q&A sessions, a live performance by former member Bruce Kulick, and other activities.
