The Kiss Bassist’s Close Call: Gene Simmons Collides with Parked Car on PCH
In a startling turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the rock and roll community, Gene Simmons—the iconic bassist and co-founder of Kiss—was hospitalized following a harrowing car accident on Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway this Tuesday. The 76-year-old legend, known for his larger-than-life stage persona and decades of headbanging anthems, reportedly lost consciousness behind the wheel of his black Lincoln Navigator before colliding with a parked vehicle in broad daylight.
The incident unfolded shortly before 1 p.m. in the 25600 block of the legendary coastal route, a stretch of road as famous for its breathtaking ocean vistas as it is, unfortunately, for its vehicular mishaps. According to NBC4 Los Angeles, Simmons’ SUV careened across multiple lanes of traffic in a scene that must have been nothing short of terrifying for witnesses, before ultimately striking the stationary car. The dramatic sequence of events suggests the rock icon may have either passed out or fainted at the wheel—a medical emergency that could have resulted in far more catastrophic consequences.
A spokesperson for the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station confirmed an accident matching the description, though they stopped short of officially identifying Simmons as the driver. They did, however, reveal that the individual behind the wheel “might have suffered a medical emergency before the crash” and was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment. The careful wording suggests the investigation into what triggered this frightening episode is still ongoing.
In a reassuring update that will no doubt comfort the legions of Kiss Army faithful worldwide, Shannon Simmons—the rocker’s wife and constant companion—confirmed to NBC4 that her husband is now recovering in the comfort of their home. Perhaps most significantly, she revealed that doctors had recently adjusted his medication regimen, a detail that may prove crucial in understanding what precipitated this alarming incident. The intersection of age, medication changes, and sudden medical episodes is a delicate one, and one can only imagine the concern this has caused the Simmons family.
This unsettling news arrives at a particularly fraught moment for Kiss alumni. The band’s co-founder and former axeman, Ace Frehley—affectionately known as The Spaceman—recently made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 tour dates due to “ongoing medical issues.” The 74-year-old guitarist’s troubles began last month with what he described as “a minor fall in his studio” that necessitated hospitalization, preventing him from making a scheduled September 26th performance. His team’s somber Instagram announcement on Monday painted a picture of someone grappling with health challenges that have proven more persistent than initially anticipated.
The parallel timing of these incidents serves as a poignant reminder that even rock gods are not immune to the ravages of time and the fragility of human health. As Simmons recuperates at home and Frehley focuses on his recovery, fans worldwide are holding their collective breath, hoping these titans of rock will soon return to form.
