Dave Matthews cancels FireAid concert appearance due to critical family illness

Dave Matthews is no longer slated to perform at FireAid, the star-studded benefit concert raising funds for Los Angeles area wildfire relief.

“Due to a critical illness in the family, Dave Matthews is unfortunately unable to perform at the FireAid and MusiCares benefits this week,” read an official statement shared to the singer’s Instagram page. Matthews shares three kids with Jennifer Ashley Harper, his wife of 25 years.

The Dave Matthews Band frontman was originally set to take the Kia Forum stage with John Mayer on Jan. 30. However, the show must go on, and the remaining lineup includes such acts as Alanis Morissette, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Anderson .Paak, Stevie Nicks, Katy Perry, Sting, Tate McRae, Green Day, No Doubt, Pink, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Mayer has since confirmed his intention to perform without Matthews, resharing the social media statement with the note, “Sending all my love to Dave, who will be there in spirit with me at FireAid.”

Proceeds raised by the FireAid benefit concert will help those affected by the wildfires by “rebuilding communities devastated by wildfires and supporting efforts to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.” 

The 58-year-old singer-songwriter was also scheduled to perform at another charity event on Friday, but his appearance at MusiCares’ 2025 Persons of the Year benefit gala has also been canceled.

As part of Grammys Week in L.A., the event will focus on raising critical funds to support music professionals in need, including those impacted by the L.A. wildfires.

The gala, honoring the Grateful Dead, boasts its own star-studded lineup including Mayer, Mick Fleetwood with Stewart Copeland, Norah Jones, Maren Morris, Noah Kahan, Vampire Weekend, Sierra Ferrell and Lukas Nelson, the War and Treaty, Zac Brown, Maggie Rose, Wynonna Judd, and the War on Drugs.

Tickets for FireAid are now available through Ticketmaster, and the event will also be available to stream across several platforms. You can donate to the cause at fireaidla.org.