Gene Simmons Hospitalised After Crashing SUV

Gene Simmons, best known as the bassist and co-vocalist of KISS, has been hospitalised after crashing his SUV in Malibu, California.

As PEOPLE and NBC4 Los Angeles report, Simmons allegedly passed out behind the wheel of his car on Tuesday (7 October) and crashed on the Pacific Coast Highway, with the musician telling police that he either “passed out or fainted” when he hit a parked car.

A spokesperson for the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station told PEOPLE that the accident happened on Tuesday afternoon and reportedly “involved a vehicle that struck a parked vehicle.” Simmons was then transported to the hospital for treatment.

NBC4 Los Angeles also reported that while behind the wheel, Simmons’ car “careened across several lanes of traffic” before crashing. Simmons’ wife, Shannon, told the publication that her husband is currently recovering at home and mentioned a change in the musician’s medication.

Simmons has since said that he’s “doing fine” following the accident.

As PEOPLE notes, the accident happened just weeks before KISS are set to reunite for an unmasked 50th anniversary event in Las Vegas this November.

KISS returned to Australia in September and October 2023, performing their final shows Down Under at the AFL Grand Final as the pre-game headliners and with a headlining performance at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

Reviewing the Accor Stadium show for The Music, Mark Hebblewhite wrote, “Even though KISS are now bona fide senior citizens, they retained a power and vitality that was truly jaw-dropping. Of course, KISS themselves were a well-oiled machine and sounded absolutely huge.”

KISS singer Paul Stanley said upon the show’s announcement: “You have made your voices loud enough that it was impossible for us not to hear you.

“We are overwhelmed by your petitions and calls for one last KISS [show], so we are now announcing that The End Of The Road will detour one last time to Sydney for a final bombastic farewell. As unexpected as this is for us, we will make it unforgettable for all who share the night with us.”

The band’s final-ever show took place in December 2023 at Madison Square Garden.