LOS ANGELES — As the Los Angeles region strives to recover from a devastating series of wildfires, a benefit concert titled FireAid is set to take place this week, aiming to raise millions in support of relief efforts.
Scheduled for two locations in Los Angeles, FireAid will showcase performances from an impressive lineup, including Billie Eilish, Jelly Roll, Peso Pluma, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joni Mitchell, Sting, and Anderson .Paak, among others.
Remarkably, the entire event came together within a few days. Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet, known for organizing numerous benefit concerts, including “America: A Tribute to Heroes” post-9/11 and similar events following Hurricane Katrina, collaborated with Los Angeles Clippers executive Gillian Zucker along with producers Irving and Shelli Azoff to bring this concert to fruition.
The wildfires ignited on January 7, and by January 10, the Azoff family, in partnership with Live Nation and AEG Presents, announced the benefit concert scheduled for January 30 at Intuit Dome. The scale of the event quickly expanded, leading to the addition of the nearby Kia Forum.
Shelli Azoff played a pivotal role in the swift organization of the event. “We recognized the urgent need and wanted to brainstorm solutions. Shelli suggested we should apply our skills and put on the show,” shared Irving Azoff. Following an immediate conversation between Gillian Zucker and Shelli, the planning commenced.
“On the morning of January 9, just 48 hours after the fires began, Shelli reached out,” Zucker recounted. They had already contacted several artists and received encouraging feedback, leading them to inquire if they could use the Intuit Dome.
Initially, they anticipated needing just one venue but soon realized that additional space was necessary due to the overwhelming interest from musicians wishing to lend their support. “Within 24 hours, it became clear that the Kia Forum would be required for rehearsal purposes as well. By that weekend, it was evident that the number of acts interested in contributing would surpass the capacity of a single venue,” Zucker explained.
Once the venues were secured, calls were made to arrange corporate sponsorships and finalize bookings. The response to participate was incredible, leading to the decision to host two separate shows instead of one.
The roster of talent includes names like Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Tate McRae, and Earth, Wind & Fire at the Intuit Dome, while the Kia Forum will feature performances from Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak, Dawes, Graham Nash, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, Pink, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks, the Black Crowes, Dave Matthews, and John Mayer, with more surprises in store.
As they finalized the lineup, Irving Azoff noted a natural tendency for acts that “rock” to gravitate towards the Forum, while the Intuit Dome featured a more varied sound palette. Prioritizing local talent was key, as groups like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and No Doubt are iconic to Southern California. Due to the overwhelming interest from artists, some had to be turned down because the lineup filled up quickly.
Artists will each perform between two to four songs and are encouraged to share personal messages from the stage.
For viewers, Irving Azoff assures an exciting experience: “It’s going to be one of the best shows ever broadcast.”
The flow of FireAid is designed to maximize entertainment value, lasting over five hours with 28 performers. To ensure all performances are visible to viewers, sets will be staggered. The Kia Forum will kick off the show at 6 p.m. Pacific Time, with attendees at the Intuit Dome able to watch live feeds.
After the live performances at the Kia Forum conclude, the audience will then be treated to final sets streaming from the Intuit Dome, ensuring continuous engagement with no dull moments.
In addition to the performances, the event will also include speeches from both celebrities and civilians affected by the fires. Gallen noted that some speakers would share their experiences of losing their homes, representing impacted communities such as Altadena and the Palisades.
Through packages highlighting the stories of fire victims and first responders, attendees will connect with the realities of the situation. “We expect to accommodate at least 2,000 first responders, including firefighters and police officers, along with individuals who have lost their homes,” Irving Azoff stated. Corporate sponsors will also contribute seats to those in need.
While concerns about potential future fire dangers exist, Gallen felt confident about the concert’s location and timing, stating, “Currently, we don’t perceive the show is at risk, with no immediate fire threats near the venues.”
For those unable to attend the concert or view the live broadcast, donations are welcomed via FireAidLA.org, and a link will be displayed throughout the event. “All proceeds will directly aid in rebuilding efforts,” Gallen emphasized.
Donations sent during the live broadcast will be matched by Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie, effectively doubling contributed amounts. A charitable foundation has been established, and funds collected will be distributed via the Annenberg Foundation, which has assembled a committee for relief fund allocation.
The team is currently assessing existing funds and researching nonprofits that are responding to the crisis while consulting with representatives from previous disaster recovery efforts in locations like Maui and Sandy Hook to inform their approach moving forward.
Irving Azoff indicated that Zucker had reached out to Wallis Annenberg from The Annenberg Foundation, who offered immediate support. They are also consulting with various knowledgeable figures, including billionaire developer Rick Caruso.
“It was critical to engage with individuals familiar with the proper organizations to ensure the funds are directed efficiently,” Shelli Azoff remarked. “We are genuinely dedicated to directing assistance where it is most needed. Personally, it means a lot to me to support those who typically get overlooked, like those who have lost jobs due to local business struggles.”
“First and foremost,” Irving Azoff concluded, “our priority is to execute the concert successfully and gather donations. The enthusiasm from the community and corporate supporters for this event has already exceeded expectations, and we anticipate raising over $50 million.”
