The FireAid benefit concert, held Thursday, united pop stars, rock legends, first responders, and wildfire survivors in an unforgettable night of music, storytelling, and support for those affected by the devastating Los Angeles-area fires. At the Kia Forum, attendees witnessed powerful performances from iconic artists like Nirvana, Green Day, Lady Gaga, and Billie Eilish, as well as heartfelt stories from survivors.
A standout moment was the unexpected Nirvana reunion, featuring St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, and Joan Jett replacing Kurt Cobain. Their set included electrifying renditions of “Breed,” “School,” and “Territorial Pissings.” Dave Grohl’s daughter Violet joined onstage for a touching version of “All Apologies.”
Green Day kicked off the event with “Last Night on Earth” and were joined by Billie Eilish for a surprise performance of “If I Lose Everything in the Fire.” Actor Billy Crystal brought humor to the evening, joking about surpassing the Dodgers’ free-agent spending as U2 made a generous US$1 million donation. Crystal, who lost his Pacific Palisades home, shared the emotional impact of the fires on him and others.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers added a burst of energy with classics like “Dani California,” and Dr. Dre offered a West Coast hip-hop tribute with “Still D.R.E.” and “California Love.” Other highlights included Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now,” No Doubt’s energetic set, and Katy Perry’s patriotic performance of “California Gurls.”
The concert spanned two venues, the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome, offering a six-hour stream of performances interspersed with moving survivor stories. Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Wonder, and Pink added their voices to the cause, while Stevie Nicks shared her evacuation experience, having narrowly escaped losing her home. Earth, Wind & Fire’s medley, and Lil Baby’s rare hip-hop appearance, further showcased the diversity of the lineup.
FireAid’s impact was felt not only in the music but in the generosity of its supporters. Donations were encouraged throughout the evening, with Steve and Connie Ballmer matching all contributions. All proceeds will go to help those affected by the fires through the Annenberg Foundation.
Source: Swifteradio.com
