Benefit Concert ‘FireAid’ Unites Stars and Survivors to Raise Funds for Wildfire Victims
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — A stirring benefit concert named FireAid took place on Thursday night, drawing pop icons, emergency responders, rock musicians, and individuals impacted by the recent devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The event combined powerful performances with poignant stories from survivors, highlighting the destruction caused by the fires.
Among the night’s highlights was a surprising reunion of Nirvana, now fronted by St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, and Joan Jett, who stepped in for the late Kurt Cobain. They performed exciting renditions of “Breed,” “School,” and “Territorial Pissings.” Later, Dave Grohl’s daughter, Violet, took to the stage to perform “All Apologies,” adding to the emotional weight of the evening.
The grand finale featured Lady Gaga, who delivered stunning renditions of her Oscar-winning hits “Shallow” and “Always Remember Us This Way” from her film, “A Star Is Born.” She also played a new song she co-wrote with her fiancé, Michael Polansky, revealing, “It’s just for tonight, it’s just for you,” before singing, “All I need is time / To heal my broken wings and then I’ll soar.”
The evening started with Green Day, who opened the concert at the Kia Forum with the track “Last Night on Earth,” later joined by Billie Eilish. The two delivered a powerful message with the lyrics, “If I lose everything in the fire / I’m sending all my love to you.” Following their performance, Green Day’s frontman Billie Joe Armstrong jokingly remarked that their aim was to outdo the Dodgers’ spending on free agents, while comedian Billy Crystal welcomed attendees. Crystal revealed he was still wearing the clothes he had when he evacuated from his home in Pacific Palisades, which he lost after 46 years.
Southern Californian spirit was evident with performances from iconic local band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Bassist Flea wowed the crowd with a handstand on stage, leading into a medley of state-themed songs, including “Dani California,” “Californication,” and “Under the Bridge.” Dr. Dre’s surprise performance also thrilled the audience as he collaborated with Anderson .Paak and Sheila E. on “Still D.R.E.” followed by the classic “California Love.” Joni Mitchell provided a touching moment with her song “Both Sides Now.”
The reunited No Doubt, with Gwen Stefani, energized the crowd with hits like “I’m Just a Girl” and “Don’t Speak.” Katy Perry performed a heartwarming set that included “Rise” and “California Gurls,” proudly waving the California state flag during her performance. Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas, showcased acoustic renditions of her latest hits, creating a serene atmosphere amidst the star-studded lineup.
FireAid managed to feature performances at both the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, allowing for nearly six continuous hours of music. Attendees were greeted with images of firefighters and the devastation throughout the concert. High-profile acts such as Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Wonder, Sting, and Pink delivered noteworthy performances as well. Stevie Nicks shared her evacuation story while performing “Edge of Seventeen” and highlighted the vulnerability of homes built in the region. Earth, Wind & Fire contributed to the nostalgia with a medley of their greatest hits, and Lil Baby brought a hip-hop flair to the gathering.
Amidst the entertainment, poignant stories from survivors were shared throughout the concert, both live and through video segments. The Williams family, who lost four homes in Altadena, moved the audience as they introduced the band Dawes, with members also affected by the fires. Taylor Goldsmith, one of the band’s members, discussed the loss of his home studio and instruments, while his bandmate Griffin Goldsmith faced a similar fate.
The atmosphere remained uplifting. Local resident Scott Jones expressed gratitude for the concert, hoping that it would be a lasting memory. He emphasized support for the firefighters, underscoring the need for them to unwind after their rigorous efforts.
Throughout the night, concert-goers were encouraged to donate to aid the wildfire victims via the official FireAidLA.org website. Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer announced that he and his wife Connie would match all donations made during the live event, effectively doubling the contributions. The proceeds from the concert will be allocated to assist those affected by the wildfires, with a designated 501(c)(3) and a partnership with the Annenberg Foundation for distribution of funds.