Gene Simmons Thanks Kiss Fans for ‘Kind Wishes’ as He Recovers From Car Accident: ‘It Happens. Especially to Those of Us’ Who Are ‘Horrible Drivers’

Kiss bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons is recovering after being involved in a car accident in Malibu. Simmons was released from a hospital on Tuesday and has since extended his gratitude to fans concerned about his health.

“Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes,” Simmons posted on social media platform X on Wednesday afternoon. “I’m completely fine. I had a slight fender bender. It happens. Especially to those of us were horrible drivers. And that’s me. All is well.”

Authorities told the Associated Press that Simmons had been driving his SUV along the Pacific Coast Highway when he fainted. The 76-year-old crossed several lanes of traffic before crashing into a parked car on the side of the freeway. He was transported to a hospital shortly after.

Simmons and Kiss retired from touring in 2023 after five decades of live shows. The band is slated to be recognized at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, in President Trump’s first year as chair of the organization, taking over after ousting 18 Democratic appointees that had been on the board. Other honorees set for this year include George Strait, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor and Sylvester Stallone.

“From our earliest days, Kiss has embodied the American ideal that all things are possible and that hard work pays off,” Simmons’ bandmate Paul Stanley told TMZ upon the Kennedy Center’s announcement. “The prestige of the Kennedy Center Honors cannot be overstated and I accept this on behalf of the long legacy of Kiss and all of the band members who helped create our iconic band.”