INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Los Angeles came together in a powerful display of solidarity and music on Thursday evening as two benefit concerts, collectively known as FireAid, rocked the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome. The star-studded events aimed to raise funds for communities devastated by the recent wildfires that claimed 29 lives and caused billions of dollars in damage across the LA area.
The concerts featured an impressive lineup of musicians, including Green Day, No Doubt, Billie Eilish, Pink, Stevie Nicks, and more, all uniting to support wildfire relief efforts and honor the bravery of first responders.
Green Day and Billie Eilish Kick Off the Night
Green Day opened the show at the Kia Forum with their emotional track “Last Night on Earth,” featuring a surprise appearance by Billie Eilish. The band followed up with their anthems “Still Breathing” and “When I Come Around,” setting the tone for an evening of music and resilience.
Billy Crystal, who lost his Pacific Palisades home in the Palisades Fire, delivered a heartfelt speech about the pain of losing cherished memories but expressed hope for the future. “It will be ok,” Crystal said. “With your help around the country and here in the room, we’ll laugh again. We’re going to listen to music again, and we will be ok.”
Stevie Nicks, Pink, and Nirvana Tributes
Stevie Nicks shared a touching story about how firefighters saved her historic Pacific Palisades home, built in 1938. She dedicated her performance of “Landslide” to the first responders who “never gave up.”
Pink delivered a stripped-down acoustic set, including covers of Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee” and Led Zeppelin’s “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You,” as well as her own hit “What About Us.” Later, Slash made a surprise appearance, joining the Black Crowes for a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.”
The night also featured a memorable Nirvana tribute, with indie rocker St. Vincent joining original members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic to perform “Breed.” Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon and Joan Jett also took the stage for Nirvana covers, with Grohl’s daughter Violet closing the set with “All Apologies.”
Star-Studded Lineups for a Cause
The FireAid concerts brought together a who’s who of music legends and rising stars. At the Kia Forum, performances by Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, Joni Mitchell, Stephen Stills, and John Mayer kept the energy high. Dr. Dre and Sheila E. made surprise appearances alongside Anderson .Paak, adding to the excitement.
Meanwhile, the Intuit Dome featured Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Earth, Wind & Fire, Olivia Rodrigo, and Stevie Wonder, among others. Samuel L. Jackson kicked off the show with a heartfelt thank-you to first responders, introducing Sir Rod Stewart, who opened with his classic “Forever Young.”
Raising Funds and Awareness
The concerts aimed to raise money for rebuilding communities affected by the wildfires and supporting efforts to prevent future fire disasters in Southern California. According to event organizers, the funds will go toward relief efforts, including housing, infrastructure, and fire prevention initiatives.
The FireAid concerts not only provided a night of unforgettable music but also served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Los Angeles community. As the city continues to recover from the devastating wildfires, events like these offer hope and a path forward.
“We love our firefighters, and we need to help them right now,” Samuel L. Jackson told the crowd. “Together, we can make a difference.”
