FireAid benefit concert raises funds for wildfire relief in Los Angeles


Iain Hoey
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Stars perform at FireAid to support wildfire victims
FireAid took place in Los Angeles on Thursday, with artists including Billie Eilish, Pink, Katy Perry, Nirvana, and Dr Dre performing to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts.
The benefit concert aimed to support recovery from the Palisades and Eaton fires, two of the largest wildfires in the city’s history.
The event was held simultaneously at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, with an online stream alternating between the two venues.
Billy Crystal, who lost his home in the fires, opened the concert at the Kia Forum, saying: “You’ll be hearing from a number of people who were tragically affected by these fires, and I was one of them.”
California artists highlight local impact
Several artists at the event have ties to California.
Katy Perry, a native of the state, performed with a California flag while singing “California Gurls.”
Dr Dre also referenced his connection to the region, performing “California Love” and expressing gratitude: “I appreciate all the first responders and all the firemen who put their lives on the line.”
Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac dedicated her performance of “Landslide” to firefighters, recounting how they saved her home from destruction.
“I was a full-on Pacific Palisadean woman with an old, beautiful, famous house that was almost taken from me,” she said.
Donations and contributions for fire relief
The concert raised funds through ticket sales and donations.
Crystal announced that U2 donated $1 million, while Connie and Steve Ballmer pledged to match all donations made during the event.
Funds will be managed by the Annenberg Foundation to assist with short-term relief efforts and long-term fire prevention.
Viewers were encouraged to donate through FireAidLA.org or via text message.
FireAid concludes with major performances
The event featured a mix of rock, pop, and hip-hop performances.
Nirvana’s remaining members reunited, performing with St Vincent and Kim Gordon.
Olivia Rodrigo performed “Deja Vu,” referencing her experiences in Los Angeles.
Lady Gaga closed the event with “Shallow” and a new song written specifically for the night.
At least 29 people died in the January fires, with more than 16,000 homes and businesses destroyed.
The Palisades and Eaton fires were exacerbated by strong winds, spreading embers that ignited entire communities.
FireAid aimed to provide relief to those affected and support rebuilding efforts.
FireAid benefit concert raises funds for wildfire relief in Los Angeles: Summary
FireAid was held in Los Angeles to raise funds for wildfire recovery efforts following the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The event featured performances from over 20 artists, including Billie Eilish, Pink, Katy Perry, and Nirvana, with simultaneous concerts at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome.
Billy Crystal, who lost his home in the fires, opened the event.
Artists with ties to California, such as Katy Perry and Dr Dre, highlighted the local impact of the wildfires.
Stevie Nicks dedicated a performance to the firefighters who saved her home.
The concert raised funds through donations and ticket sales, with U2 contributing $1 million.
The Annenberg Foundation will oversee fund distribution for immediate relief and fire prevention projects.
The event concluded with performances from Olivia Rodrigo, Nirvana, and Lady Gaga.
The fires, which began on 7 January, destroyed more than 16,000 homes and businesses, leading to ongoing recovery