Gene Simmons Recovering After Car Accident
Kiss bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons is recovering after a car accident in Malibu. Simmons was released from a hospital on Tuesday and has since thanked fans concerned about his health.
The Accident
The authorities said Simmons was driving his SUV along the Pacific Coast Highway when he passed out. The 76-year-old crossed several lanes of traffic before colliding with a car parked on the side of the motorway. He was transported to a hospital shortly afterwards.
Simmons’ Response
“Thank you everyone for the kind wishes,” Simmons posted on the social media platform X on Wednesday afternoon. "I’m completely fine. I had a minor fender-bender. It happens. Especially to those of us who were terrible drivers. And that’s me. All is well."
Possible Causes of the Accident
His wife, Shannon Tweed, said he had recently changed his medications and was also possibly dehydrated. These factors may have contributed to the accident, but no official cause has been confirmed.
Kiss’ Legacy
Simmons and Kiss retired from touring in 2023 after five decades of live shows. The band is scheduled to be honored at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors. Other honorees slated for this year include George Strait, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor, and Sylvester Stallone.
Reaction to the Honor
“From our earliest days, Kiss has embodied the American ideal that anything is possible and that hard work pays off,” says Simmons’ bandmate Paul Stanley. “The prestige of the Kennedy Center Honors cannot be overstated and I accept this on behalf of the long legacy of Kiss and all the band members who helped create our legendary band.”
