Why did KISS star Gene Simmons faint while driving? Inside details of his frightening car accident

Rock legend Gene Simmons is recuperating at home following a frightening car accident along California’s Pacific Coast Highway on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities confirmed that the 76-year-old KISS co-founder and bassist was involved in a crash in the 25000 block of the iconic coastal roadway in Malibu, shortly before 1 p.m.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Simmons’ black Lincoln Navigator veered into a parked car after he reportedly fainted behind the wheel. Emergency crews and deputies arrived promptly at the scene after a witness called 911 to report the incident. The impact left both vehicles damaged, though no other individuals were injured.

When first responders arrived, Simmons was conscious and speaking with paramedics. Authorities said he told them he had passed out or lost consciousness moments before the crash. He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and observation as a precautionary measure.

Simmons’ wife, Shannon Tweed, later revealed that the musician had recently changed medications, which, combined with dehydration, likely caused him to faint. “He just needs to drink more water and rest,” she reportedly told NBC4 Investigates.

In a voicemail message to the news outlet, Simmons personally assured fans that he was feeling fine and grateful for the concern shown by the public. “I’m doing well,” he said, noting that he is already recovering comfortably at home. His representative also confirmed the update, stating, “Gene is fine and back to work already.”

The accident briefly raised alarm among fans of the legendary rock band KISS, whose music and stage theatrics have defined generations of hard rock since the 1970s. Though Simmons’ health scare was unexpected, it appears he is already returning to his normal routine.

The timing of the incident comes during a busy season for the musician. After KISS concluded their historic “End of the Road” farewell tour in 2023 — a global trek that began in 2019 and culminated in two sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York — Simmons has remained actively engaged with the band’s post-tour projects.

Despite announcing their farewell, KISS revealed earlier this year that they will reunite one more time for a special “Unmasked” show in Las Vegas this November as part of the KISS Army Storms Vegas event. The one-night-only concert is expected to be a massive celebration of the band’s legacy, with exclusive performances and fan experiences that pay homage to their decades-long influence on rock music and pop culture.

Adding to the excitement, Simmons and the entire KISS lineup are set to be honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in December. The rock icons will join an impressive list of honorees including Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, and Michael Crawford. The 2025 ceremony marks the first edition of the prestigious event since President Donald Trump’s recent restructuring of the Kennedy Center, which he described as “a return to honoring truly great people.”

The recognition serves as a fitting tribute to KISS, whose contribution to music, stagecraft, and fan culture has left an indelible mark on entertainment history.

For now, Simmons’ focus appears to be on his recovery. Sources close to the musician say he is “taking it easy” but already making plans to resume his commitments. His decades-long resilience — both onstage and off — continues to define him, proving that even after a near-miss on the highway, The Demon of rock is far from slowing down.

FAQ Section

1. What happened to Gene Simmons?
Gene Simmons, co-founder and bassist of KISS, was involved in a minor car crash in Malibu after reportedly fainting behind the wheel of his Lincoln Navigator on the Pacific Coast Highway.

2. Was anyone injured in the crash?
No other people were injured. Simmons’ vehicle hit a parked car, and he was hospitalized briefly for medical observation before being released.

3. Why did Gene Simmons faint while driving?
Authorities say Simmons likely passed out due to a combination of new medication and dehydration, as confirmed by his wife, Shannon Tweed.

4. What did Gene Simmons say after the accident?
Simmons left a voicemail message for NBC4 stating that he’s doing fine and recovering at home. His representative also confirmed that he’s back to work.

5. How old is Gene Simmons?
Gene Simmons is 76 years old.

6. What is Gene Simmons doing now after the crash?
He’s recovering at home and reportedly returning to normal activities, while preparing for upcoming KISS-related events later this year.

7. When did KISS end their farewell tour?
KISS concluded their “End of the Road” farewell tour in 2023 after four years of performances that began in 2019, ending with two shows at Madison Square Garden.

8. Will KISS perform again after their farewell tour?
Yes. The band announced a one-time “Unmasked” show in Las Vegas in November 2025 as part of the KISS Army Storms Vegas celebration.

9. What other honors are coming for KISS?
KISS will be honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in December 2025, alongside Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, and Michael Crawford.

10. How are fans reacting to Gene Simmons’ health update?
Fans have expressed relief and support across social media, celebrating that the rock icon is safe and recovering quickly after the Malibu crash.