Paul Stanley is opening up about his longtime friend and former KISS bandmate Gene Simmons after last week’s frightening car crash in Malibu, calling it a “miracle” that he walked away unhurt. TMZ caught up with Stanley in Los Angeles on Monday, where he said he was stunned to learn Simmons had lost consciousness while driving down Pacific Coast Highway.
The 76-year-old musician reportedly passed out behind the wheel and crashed his SUV into a parked car. “When Gene lost consciousness and hit that car, it could have been fatal,” Stanley told the outlet. “It’s a miracle he’s alive and completely fine.”
Gene Simmons Breaks His Silence After Hospitalization
Simmons was taken to a nearby hospital after the crash but was released shortly after. The rock legend later assured fans he was doing well, addressing the incident on X.
“Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes. I’m completely fine. I had a slight fender bender. It happens. Especially to those of us who are horrible drivers. And that’s me. All is well,” he posted Wednesday.
NBC4 LA reported that Simmons fainted before colliding with the parked car in Malibu. Authorities confirmed that deputies spoke with Simmons, who admitted he had briefly passed out before the impact.
Shannon Tweed Reveals What Really Happened
(Photo by David Buchan/Getty Images)Simmons’ wife, Shannon Tweed, told NBC4 LA that her husband’s car drifted across several lanes before hitting the parked vehicle. She explained that his doctor recently adjusted his medication and advised him to drink more water — something Simmons isn’t fond of.
“He’s home now, resting and doing fine,” Tweed said. She later joked to TMZ, “I’m not driving with him anymore.”
Tweed added that their children plan to encourage Simmons to drive less following the latest scare. She also revealed the airbags in his Lincoln Navigator failed to deploy, although her husband walked away without a scratch.
A Look at Simmons’ Health & Touring Life
This isn’t the first time Simmons has had a health scare. In 2023, he suffered dehydration (as reported by People) during a KISS concert in Manaus, Brazil, prompting the band to pause their set. Afterward, he reassured fans:
“Hey, everybody, thanks for the good wishes. I’m fine. We stopped for about five minutes, I drank some water, and then all was well.”
The bassist also manages atrial fibrillation, a heart condition he controls through rest and hydration. Despite his health challenges, Simmons continues to perform with the Gene Simmons Band after KISS wrapped their End of the Road World Tour in 2023.
The rock veteran is scheduled to reunite with Stanley and guitarist Tommy Thayer next month for a special “unmasked” performance in Las Vegas during the upcoming Kiss Kruise.
Even after the terrifying accident, Simmons remains upbeat and grateful. Tweed says he’s already acting as if nothing happened and has returned to his usual routine.
Fans and fellow musicians continue to send love and relief across social media. As Stanley put it best, “It’s a miracle he’s okay.”
Simmons’ humor, resilience, and long career continue to prove why the KISS icon remains one of rock’s toughest survivors.
