INGLEWOOD, California — The FireAid benefit concert brought together a star-studded lineup of performers to assist wildfire relief efforts in the Los Angeles region.
Held at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, the event on Thursday evening featured renowned artists like Billie Eilish, Rod Stewart, Dr. Dre, and Joni Mitchell. The concert combined heartfelt stories, exquisite music, and numerous surprises that kept the audience engaged throughout the night.
The night commenced with Billie Eilish joining Green Day for an electrifying start, engaging with frontman Billie Joe Armstrong in a charming moment. Following their performance, comedian Billy Crystal took the stage to remind attendees of the event’s purpose: raising funds for the recovery of devastated areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
As the concert unfolded, one of the standout moments came from Lady Gaga who surprised the audience with a lively new song crafted with her fiancé specifically for FireAid.
Billy Crystal opened the show with an emotional touch, arriving in the same outfit he wore when evacuating his home, which succumbed to the Palisades Fire. His humor and warmth resonated as he reflected on pain faced by many, paralleling the current distress with the aftermath of 9/11.
He poignantly noted, “I’m also one of the hurting thousands asking…‘Have you seen my town?’” Crystal expressed gratitude towards first responders while emphasizing the importance of laughter even amidst grief. “We’ll laugh again,” he declared passionately, extending a message of unity: “We’re Los Angeles, one city, one heart. L.A. Strong!”
The concert’s rhythm was set right away, featuring a surprise appearance by Eilish, who dazzled the crowd while Green Day performed “Last Night on Earth,” singing alongside Armstrong. Her performance resonated with imagery of ravaged homes, prompting the audience to show their appreciation by lighting up their surroundings.
Dr. Dre elevated the concert’s energy with an unexpected entrance, jamming alongside Anderson .Paak and Sheila E. As the crowd went wild, Dr. Dre performed classics like “Still D.R.E.” and “California Love,” expressing gratitude for first responders in the wake of the fires.
Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers brought an unforgettable energy as he surprised the crowd with a handstand entrance, transforming the atmosphere at the Forum. His antics prompted many attendees to rise from their seats, and the band’s dynamic performance filled the venue with their greatest hits, showcasing their profound connection to Los Angeles.
A unique reunion took place on stage as the surviving members of Nirvana—Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, and Pat Smear—performed together, filling the audience with nostalgia. With guest performers like St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, and Joan Jett honoring Kurt Cobain, they delivered memorable renditions of Nirvana’s classics. Adding a personal touch, Grohl’s daughter Violet joined in for a moving rendition of “All Apologies.”
The band Dawes spotlighted their personal connections to the community, performing songs reflective of the city’s struggles. Inviting musical legends Stephen Stills and Graham Nash to perform, they delivered heartfelt versions of their iconic hits, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness during tough times. Nash emphasized the commitment musicians have towards their community in times of crisis.
Quinta Brunson, star of “Abbott Elementary,” drew attention to the impacts of the fires on educators. A heartfelt moment unfolded as Glendale High School teacher Aurora Barboza Flores shared her experience of losing her home after 21 years of hard work. While salvaging a dish with an inspiring message about happiness helped her cope, she reinforced the importance of community and resilience.
As the evening came to a close, the concert highlighted not just the urgency for relief but also the strength and spirit of a community that comes together to support one another in challenging times.
FireAid brought unexpected thrills. Check out the standout highlights from the charity concert.
