Gene Simmons Won’t Be Rocking Tonight — At Least Temporarily

Rock legend Gene Simmons reportedly crashed his SUV in Malibu, California on October 7, after allegedly passing out or fainting behind the wheel. According to NBC4 Los Angeles, Simmons, 76, collided with a parked car on the Pacific Coast Highway. He has since been released from hospital and is recovering at home. People.com+2EW.com+2

What We Know About the Accident

A spokesperson with the Malibu / Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station confirmed an incident matching the description — a black Lincoln Navigator struck a parked vehicle in the 25600 block of PCH shortly before 1 p.m. EW.com+1 The spokesperson also noted that the driver might have suffered a medical emergency before the crash. EW.com NBC4 later identified Simmons as the driver and reported that the vehicle “careened across several lanes of traffic” before impacting the parked car. EW.com+2People.com+2

Simmons’s wife, Shannon Tweed, told the outlet that he is now recovering at home. She added that doctors recently adjusted his medication and advised better hydration. People.com+2EW.com+2 Simmons himself posted on social media, thanking fans and downplaying the incident as a “slight fender bender” while joking about being a bad driver. EW.com+2The Guardian+2

Simmons Admits to Being a “Horrible Driver”

In the aftermath, Simmons acknowledged having been a “horrible driver.” He expressed gratitude for the kind wishes and insisted he was “completely fine.” The Guardian+1 The Guardian reported that the cause may include recent medication changes and possible dehydration, per Shannon’s remarks. The Guardian

While the sheriff’s office hasn’t confirmed a medical condition, their statement that the driver “might have suffered a medical emergency” keeps that possibility open. EW.com+1

Related Health & Band Developments

Simmons is not the only Kiss member facing health challenges. Ace Frehley, the band’s former guitarist, recently canceled the remainder of his 2025 tour due to “ongoing medical issues.” The decision followed a fall in his studio that required hospitalization—doctors reportedly advised him against continued travel. EW.com+2People.com+2 This cancellation affects shows scheduled across October and November for his solo work supporting the 10,000 Volts album. EW.com+2americansongwriter.com+2

In late September, Frehley had already pulled out of a show at the Antelope Valley Fair after a “minor fall,” with his tour manager later confirming doctors advised him not to travel.

What’s Next for Kiss?

Despite their touring retirement in 2023, Kiss is scheduled to reunite for a special event in mid-November in Las Vegas. This concert series, dubbed “Kiss Army Storms Vegas” (or a variation of the KISS Kruise concept), will include unmasked performances, Q&A sessions, guest acts, and fan-oriented panels.

Band cofounder Paul Stanley has spoken previously about the upcoming event, saying that although they’re not currently touring, they still view themselves as indebted to fans.

Given Simmons’s recent accident and Frehley’s health pause, it remains uncertain how full participation from all members will play out. But as of now, Simmons is said to already be back at work, per his representatives.