FireAid, a massive benefit concert held on Thursday, brought together music legends, first responders, and wildfire survivors for an unforgettable night of powerful performances and emotional storytelling. The event, spread across two venues—the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome—raised funds for those affected by the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires.
Unforgettable Performances & Surprise Moments
The night’s biggest surprise was a Nirvana reunion, featuring St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, and Joan Jett stepping in for the late Kurt Cobain. They delivered electrifying renditions of “Breed,” “School,” and “Territorial Pissings.” Drummer Dave Grohl’s daughter, Violet, later joined for a haunting performance of “All Apologies.”
Lady Gaga, the show’s closing act, delivered heartfelt performances of “Shallow” and “Always Remember Us This Way” before debuting a brand-new song co-written with her fiancé Michael Polansky. The moving ballad, “Time is a Healer,” captured the night’s spirit of hope and resilience.
Green Day opened the concert with “Last Night on Earth”, before bringing out Billie Eilish for a surprise duet. Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong later embraced actor Billy Crystal, who shared his own experience of losing his home in Pacific Palisades.
Red Hot Chili Peppers brought their California energy, with Flea doing a handstand in a Speedo before launching into “Dani California,” “Californication,” and “Under the Bridge.”
West Coast hip-hop pioneer Dr. Dre delivered a nostalgic set, performing “Still D.R.E.” with Anderson .Paak and Sheila E., before taking the crowd back with “California Love.”
The night also featured a rare and breathtaking performance of “Both Sides Now” by folk icon Joni Mitchell.
Iconic Artists & Special Collaborations
- No Doubt, recently reunited, energized the crowd with “I’m Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak,” and “Spiderwebs.”
- Katy Perry, waving the California state flag, led the Pasadena Chorale in “Rise” before igniting the stage with “Roar” and “California Gurls.”
- Billie Eilish & Finneas performed stripped-down acoustic versions of “Wildflower,” “The Greatest,” and “Birds of a Feather.”
- Stevie Wonder, Sting, Olivia Rodrigo, and Pink delivered unforgettable sets.
- Stevie Nicks, after performing “Edge of Seventeen,” “Stand Back,” and “Landslide,” shared a heartfelt story of barely escaping the fire that nearly destroyed her historic home.
- Earth, Wind & Fire got the crowd dancing with a medley of hits, including “Shining Star” and “September.”
- The Black Crowes joined John Fogerty for “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”, later bringing out Slash for an electrifying set.
A Night of Unity and Generosity
FireAid not only showcased the spirit of resilience but also raised millions in donations, including a $1 million contribution from U2. Billy Crystal summed up the night with humor and heart, joking that their goal was “to spend more money than the Dodgers did on free agents.”
With nearly six hours of non-stop music, FireAid was a testament to the power of community, music, and generosity, proving that even in the face of destruction, California’s spirit remains unshaken.
