By: Jane Wilde

Public Relations Manager

In light of the recent fires in Los Angeles, FireAid held a benefit concert on Jan. 30 across two venues raising over 100 million dollars towards recovery efforts. The money is an accumulation of private gifts from popular rock bands such as, Eagles and U2, as well as tickets to the concert, and several music executives’ donations including Irving Azoff, the orchestrator of the event. Streaming services and radio stations also raised money since the concert was streamed on sites like iHeartRadio, Netflix, and Paramount Plus. The Los Angeles Fire Department went as far as to say it was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters the city has ever experienced, killing 27 people and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. Luckily, FireAid, a local non-profit organization, stepped in to aid the fire through the performances of some of LA’s finest stars. 

 An accompaniment of artists attended including Billie Elish, Joni Mitchell, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Additionally, Lady Gaga, Green Day, P!nk, and Gwen Stafani performed to show their support. All donations from the audience went to 501c nonprofits and the Annenberg Foundation, a philanthropic organization that specializes in fire recovery. The contributions go to immediate recovery efforts and preventive measures across California.

14 stars took the stage at Kia Forum and 13 at Intuit Dome. At the Kia Forum, Green Day kicked off the concert with a set joined by the one and only Eilish. They opened with their popular song titled Last Night on Earth, which had lyrics that shockingly resonated with the devastating circumstances. The song details, “If I lose everything in the fire, I’m sending all my love to you.” After their set, actor and producer Billie Crystal came out on stage to address the audience. Crystal claimed that he was wearing the same clothes he had on when evacuating his home of 46 years that he lost in the Pacific Palisades Fire. The night at the Forum concluded with a performance from the legendary Stevie Nicks and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

Legendary acts like Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and Rod Stewart performed at the Intuit Dome. Wonder performed classics like Superstitious and the very fitting, Loves in Need of Love Today. Stewart sang a wide range of songs from Maggie May to the infamous Forever Young. Nirvana reunited, led by St Vincent, Joan Jett, and Kim Gordon in Kurt Cobain’s place. Other notable artists who took the stage included Joni Mitchell, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry. Perry included several uplifting songs in her set like Roar, Rise, and most significantly California Girls. She paraded across the stage with a California flag to show her support while performing.

The event honored the survivors by projecting a video of their stories. One survivor and Altadena resident stated, “I wish it was just a terrible dream or a nightmare…everything I’m wearing was provided by someone else. But I’m a carpenter, I want to rebuild Altadena. There are brighter days ahead.” This video and the millions of dollars in donations act as a reminder for Los Angeles residents that there is hope for the Palisades recovery.

(Sources: NPR, Today)