Shaping culture and breaking barriers
Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo brought her energy and nostalgic take on the city, calling LA "so beautiful and inspiring" as she sang her heart out in 'Deja Vu,' in which she recalls a drive through Malibu for ice cream.
As did Grammy contender and Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon, who also stepped up to the microphone, joining the three former Nirvana members.
Earth, Wind & Fire opened with 'That's the Way of the World,' tapping into the poignant "hearts of fire" lyrics, and brought the house down with the always uplifting 'September.'
Billie Eilish’s impressive vocal range and harmonies were a perfect addition to the event, especially with the acoustic version of her songs. "LA is my favorite place in the world and my only home," Eilish said as she introduced her hit 'Birds of a Feather.'
Returning to the stage after a throat infection kept him from performing, Sting gave his all, delivering classic Police hits like 'Message in a Bottle.'
Singer-songwriter John Mayer performed Tom Petty's 'Free Fallin',' calling it "our first insight into the dream of living in California."
Mayer performed against a stunning backdrop of an illuminated LA map.
Stephen Stills and Mike Campbell of the Heartbreakers performed Buffalo Springfield's 'For What It's Worth'—a song Stills wrote about the 1960's Sunset Strip police brutality. The performance underscored both LA's history and the loss of music history in the fires.
No California gig is complete without SoCal legends No Doubt, rocking their hits 'Just a Girl' and 'Don’t Speak.'
FireAid closed with Lady Gaga, who began her set at the piano with two songs from 'A Star Is Born' (2018): a solo 'Shallow,' and a powerful rendition of 'Always Remember Us This Way.'
Morissette introduced music legend Joni Mitchell to perform a stripped-down version of 'Both Sides Now' with her Joni Jam band. Viewers highlighted how Mitchell's poignant lyrics served as a reminder to cherish LA's treasures.
Legendary comedian Billy Crystal delivered a monologue that, in his signature style, struck the perfect balance between humor and sincerity as he shared the personal impact of losing his own home in the Palisades fire.
Canadian-American pop star Alanis Morissette, a longtime LA resident, showed her support and appreciation for the community and first responders by performing her hit song 'Thank U.'
Hollywood A-lister Samuel L. Jackson appeared at the Intuit Dome, enthusiastically thanking first responders before introducing the next act.
That was two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Rod Stewart, Jackson's former LA neighbor, who lifted spirits with a singalong to his hit 'Maggie May.'
The pop star also couldn't leave without delivering what some fans consider a California anthem: 'California Gurls,' performing it with full energy while waving the state flag.
Chris and Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes performed 'Going to California' with Slash, sporting his signature top hat.
To feature all the major acts expected to raise funds and honor firefighters and the LA community, the FireAid benefit included two concerts—one at Inglewood’s Intuit Dome, and the other at the neighboring Kia Forum.
With a lineup on par with the upcoming Grammys, the event promised to be both emotional and hopeful, especially considering many of the performers were directly impacted by the devastating fires.
The night kicked off with pop-punk icons Green Day taking the stage, delivering a heartfelt rendition of 'Last Night on Earth.'
He also brought good news, announcing a generous million-dollar donation from members of U2.
The legendary Sheila E teamed up with acclaimed rapper and producer Anderson .Paak, who started out behind the drums before moving to the front of the stage.
Next came one of the night’s first surprises: a powerful appearance from Dr. Dre, who has collaborated with .Paak numerous times over the years. The crowd was treated to 'California Love,' a West Coast anthem that brought all three artists together to represent the city.
LA folk-rock band Dawes delivered a particularly heartfelt performance, as both the band’s lead singer and drummer lost their homes and studios in Altadena. They sang about life in LA, with its "special kind of sadness, a tragic set of charms."
Dave Grohl returned to drums, joining Pat Smear and Krist Novoselic for a Nirvana reunion, with vocal powerhouses like St. Vincent filling Kurt Cobain's lead role.
Stevie Nicks lent her powerful voice to the benefit, dedicating a moving performance of 'Landslide' to the firefighters who saved her Palisades home. "I cannot believe the bravery of these men," she said.
The former Runaways' front woman Joan Jett also unleashed the full gravel of her voice while channeling Cobain.
Dressed in somber black, the usually energetic Pink delivered a grounded, introspective performance, including a powerful rendition of 'Babe I'm Gonna Leave You,' popularized by rock legends Led Zeppelin.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, California's ultimate poets, known for their songs of longing for the Golden State, had to be there—bringing their trademark irreverence, with Flea rocking a Speedo.
Jimmy Kimmel gave a heartfelt thank you to the incarcerated firefighters who play a vital role on the front lines, protecting both urban areas and wildlands in SoCal. He expressed hope that they will have the opportunity for a better career path in firefighting in the future.
Katy Perry took the stage to perform a heartfelt version of 'Rise,' backed by the Pasadena Chorale, which lost its home when the Altadena Community Church burned down.
She also surprised viewers with a new song, written especially for the event with her fiancé, Michael Polansky. Aiming for something hopeful, she delivered an upbeat song about the healing power of time. 'It's just for tonight–just for you,' she told the audience.
Sources: (Los Angeles Times) (Variety) (NPR)
See also: Celebrities who have lost their homes to the LA fires
Just weeks after a series of devastating wildfires claimed 29 lives and destroyed thousands of homes in Southern California, some of the entertainment industry's biggest names came together for a night of healing. On January 30, the FireAid benefit concert lit up Los Angeles, bringing together over two dozen artists to raise funds for those affected by the disaster and to help prevent future fires in the region.
From emotional performances to surprise reunions, the event highlighted the power of music in times of crisis. The recovery will take time, but the night offered a beacon of hope and a generous step toward rebuilding the community.
Click on for a recap of how this star-studded evening unfolded and the unforgettable moments that made it a night to remember.
For the final verse of the song, a surprise appearance thrilled the audience as Green Day's Billie Joe was joined by none other than Billie Eilish, who also performed later with her brother, Finneas.
Just weeks after a series of devastating wildfires claimed 29 lives and destroyed thousands of homes in Southern California, some of the entertainment industry's biggest names came together for a night of healing. On January 30, the FireAid benefit concert lit up Los Angeles, bringing together over two dozen artists to raise funds for those affected by the disaster and to help prevent future fires in the region.
From emotional performances to surprise reunions, the event highlighted the power of music in times of crisis. The recovery will take time, but the night offered a beacon of hope and a generous step toward rebuilding the community.
Click on for a recap of how this star-studded evening unfolded and the unforgettable moments that made it a night to remember.
For the final verse of the song, a surprise appearance thrilled the audience as Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong was joined by none other than Billie Eilish, who also performed later with her brother, Finneas.
Stars unite for LA: everything that happened at the FireAid benefit
All-star lineup raises funds for LA fire victims
CELEBRITY Benefit concerts
Just weeks after a series of devastating wildfires claimed 29 lives and destroyed thousands of homes in Southern California, some of the entertainment industry's biggest names came together for a night of healing. On January 30, the FireAid benefit concert lit up Los Angeles, bringing together over two dozen artists to raise funds for those affected by the disaster and to help prevent future fires in the region.
From emotional performances to surprise reunions, the event highlighted the power of music in times of crisis. The recovery will take time, but the night offered a beacon of hope and a generous step toward rebuilding the community.
Click on for a recap of how this star-studded evening unfolded and the unforgettable moments that made it a night to remember.