Less than three weeks after a series of historic wildfires ravaged the Los Angeles area, claiming 29 lives and destroying over 16,000 structures, the FireAid benefit concert brought together more than two dozen of music’s biggest names. The event was a powerful display of solidarity and support, aiming to raise funds for affected Angelenos and to prevent future fire disasters in Southern California.
The FireAid benefit concert took place at two venues – the Intuit Dome in Inglewood and the Kia Forum located just a mile north. The lineup included iconic acts such as Billie Eilish, Green Day, Joni Mitchell, John Fogerty, Gracie Abrams, No Doubt, Jelly Roll, and Stevie Nicks. Katy Perry, backed by the Pasadena Chorale, performed in support of the choir that lost its home base in the fires. Among the bill’s star-studded lineup were Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Peso Pluma, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Produced by a team of music industry veterans led by Irving Azoff and his family, FireAid was broadcast live on various platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Max, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Twitch. Connie and Steve Ballmer, owners of the Clippers, Intuit Dome, and the Forum, pledged to match all donations made during the show.
The evening kicked off with Green Day’s rendition of “Last Night on Earth,” followed by a surprise appearance by Billie Eilish for a duet. Comedian Billy Crystal lightened the mood with humor, acknowledging his own losses in the fires and emphasizing the importance of community support during difficult times. Artists like Alanis Morissette, Sheila E, and Pink delivered powerful performances that resonated with the audience.
As the night unfolded, poignant moments such as the Williams family from Altadena sharing their heartbreaking story of loss highlighted the impact of the wildfires on local communities. The band Dawes, whose members also suffered losses, performed a moving tribute, underscoring the deep connection between music, resilience, and healing.
Stevie Nicks took a moment to express gratitude for the firefighters who saved her home, dedicating a heartfelt performance of “Landslide” to them. The evening continued with electrifying sets from Earth, Wind & Fire, John Fogerty, and the Black Crowes, showcasing the diverse talent and unity of the music industry in the face of adversity.
Lady Gaga closed the show with a soul-stirring performance, debuting a new song written for the occasion. Her powerful vocals and message of hope resonated with the audience, marking a poignant end to a night filled with music, compassion, and support for those affected by the wildfires.
As the event came to a close, the organizers and performers expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and generosity. FireAid was not just a concert, but a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope in the face of tragedy. The road to recovery may be long, but with events like FireAid, the community can come together to heal and rebuild stronger than before.
