Gene Simmons, the lead singer of the band Kiss, revealed that he lost consciousness while driving and subsequently crashed into a parked car in California. The 76-year-old rock icon was taken to the hospital following the incident in Malibu, which took place at approximately 1 PM. He has since been discharged and is recuperating at his residence.
Simmons, a co-founder of Kiss, has been transparent about his health challenges, including a heart condition called atrial fibrillation. He informed authorities at the scene that he believes he fainted before the collision. His wife, Shannon Tweed, mentioned to NBC 4 Investigates that recent changes in his medications, coupled with dehydration, may have led to the sudden blackout.
An eyewitness dialed 911 to report the mishap after Simmons’s Lincoln Navigator drifted across multiple lanes on the Pacific Coast Highway before hitting the parked vehicle. Although no injuries were reported, Simmons was swiftly taken to the hospital after conferring with first responders and suspecting that he had passed out while driving. His wife attributed the incident to his medications and insufficient water intake.
This incident is not the first time Simmons has experienced dehydration troubles. In 2023, during a Kiss concert in Manaus, Brazil, he faced a similar health scare that halted the show temporarily.
Following the recent episode, Simmons reassured fans via a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that he was doing well. The renowned glam rock band Kiss, known for their iconic makeup and stage presence, gained fame in the late 1970s with hits like ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ and ‘I Was Made For Lovin’ You.’
Despite their public criticisms of Donald Trump, Kiss accepted the nomination for the Kennedy Center Honors this year, with Simmons expressing gratitude for the recognition.