Image Source- Yahoo Media
Legendary KISS bassist and lead singer Gene Simmons, 76 years old, was recovering after he was in a minor car accident in Malibu, California. The accident has awakened fans with worries and brought his health and future performances back into focus.
On Tuesday, Gene Simmons’ black Lincoln Navigator veered across several lanes on the Pacific Coast Highway and crashed into a parked car. Officials say the accident could have been caused by a medical crisis — some accounts indicate Simmons fainted or passed out while driving. He was taken to a local hospital, assessed, and subsequently released. He is recuperating at his home.
Taking to social media, Gene Simmons sought to reassure fans, describing the incident as a “slight fender bender” and joking that being a “horrible driver” might explain it. He added, “Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes. I’m completely fine … all is well.”
Simmons’ wife, Shannon Tweed, provided more context in that recent medication adjustments and dehydrating might have led to him passing out. As per her, the vehicle crossed multiple lanes before colliding with the parked vehicle. There are no reported serious physical injuries.
Though KISS formally retired from touring in 2023, the group is set to reunite in November for a one-time Las Vegas event. Gene Simmons’ health and preparedness for that performance are now in question. In another update earlier this year, Simmons postponed 17 solo tour dates, although representatives confirmed that those postponements were not related to health.
Industry observers note that this crash calls into question the rock veteran’s declining ability to travel safely — already a challenging aspect of any musician’s life. That being said,Gene Simmons’ quick hospital discharge, cheerful social media post, and his quick return to business indicate that he and his crew are looking at this as a precautionary rather than a crisis moment.
The next KISS show in Las Vegas is hyped as an “unmasked” concert, a rare outing without the band’s famous makeup. Tickets and marketing continue unabated, and fans hold on to hope. But with Simmons’ recent ordeal, the attention is now not only on the performance itself, but whether the rock legend can deliver in full measure — healthy and hale — on what could be one of his last big-time public appearances.
