Less than three weeks after a series of historic wildfires killed 29 people and destroyed more than 16,000 structures in the Los Angeles area, more than two dozen of music’s biggest names have gathered for the FireAid benefit concert — “an evening of music and solidarity,” as organizers describe it, meant to raise money for affected Angelenos and to “prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.”
In fact, FireAid encompasses two concerts — one held at Inglewood’s Intuit Dome and the other about a mile north at the Kia Forum. Billie Eilish, Green Day, Joni Mitchell, John Fogerty, Gracie Abrams, No Doubt, Jelly Roll and Stevie Nicks are among the acts who’ve taken the stage. Katy Perry took the stage backed by the Pasadena Chorale, which lost its home base when the Altadena Community Church burned down. Some of its singers and its founding artistic director, Jeffrey Bernstein, lost homes in the fire.
The bill also includes Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Peso Pluma and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among many others. Produced by a team of music-industry veterans led by Irving Azoff and his family, FireAid is being live-streamed on an array of platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Max, Apple TV+, Prime Video and Twitch. Connie and Steve Ballmer, who own the Clippers as well as Intuit Dome and the Forum, have pledged to match all donations made during the show.
The Times’ Mikael Wood and August Brown are on site and delivering live updates as they happen.
5:45 p.m. Hello from the floor at the Forum for the early shift of FireAid, which may not quite be Music’s Biggest Night (that’s the Grammys on Sunday), but it certainly feels like it given the sheer star caliber of lineups here and at Intuit Dome a little later. Dave Matthews dropped off the bill for a family emergency, but still in store here are Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak, John Mayer, Dawes, Graham Nash, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, P!nk, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks and the Black Crowes. Interested to see how Dawes performs given two members lost homes or studios in Altadena. (August Brown)
6:11 p.m. And greetings from a very empty Intuit Dome, where the music is supposed to get underway at 7:30 — a message that appears to have reached the people of L.A. loud and clear. FireAid organizers have said the Forum bill leans rock while the lineup at Intuit is more pop. Wonder what Rod Stewart (who’s on the bill here) thinks about that. (Mikael Wood)
7:02 p.m. Green Day kicking this off with an elegant version of “Last Night on Earth” only to bring out another Billie from the second show down the road: Eilish, who came out to sing the second verse. (AB)
Billie Eilish and Billie Joe Armstrong early in the FireAid benefit.
(Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP)
7:04 p.m. Intuit Dome is showing the Forum performances on the arena’s so-called Halo Board, and the two Billies drew a huge cheer from the crowd here. (MW)
7:17 p.m “Here at the Forum,” comedian Billy Crystal said, “the goal is to raise more money than the Dodgers spent on free agents.” They’re off to a good start–Crystal announced U2 just called in a million dollar donation. He also acknowledged losing his own home in the Palisades Fire. “These are the clothes I fled in,” he said, explaining that he looks like an evacuee or “somebody who robbed a 7/11.” He said that this gig had echoes of a similar fundraising host gig he took on after 9/11. “Now I’m one of the hurting thousands asking ‘have you seen my church, have you seen my town?” (AB)
7:18 p.m. Nice monologue from Crystal, who’s been doing this kind of thing — threading the needle between humor and pathos — for … what? Half a century? “One city, one heart,” he concludes. (MW)
7:24 p.m. Hopeful vibes from Alanis Morrissette, whose “Hand in My Pocket” and “Thank U” carried an air of gratitude and resilience as she wore an “I Heart LA” shirt: a “colorful, Wild place,” as she called it. (AB)
7:27 p.m. Alanis Morissette singing “Thank U” is a great opportunity to ponder one of the wildest opening lyrics in pop history: “How ‘bout getting off of these antibiotics?” (MW)
Anderson .Paak and Sheila E. at the Forum in Inglewood.
(Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP)
7:30 p.m. If you hold an all-star concert in L.A. and you don’t have Sheila E show up to whale on the timbales — as Ms. E just did with Anderson .Paak — did the concert really happen? (MW)
7:32 p.m. Glad they’re making ample time for individual horror stories about surviving the fires. “I wish it was just a terrible dream or a nightmare,” one Altadena resident said in a video. “Everything I’m wearing was provided by someone else. But I’m a carpenter, I want to rebuild Altadena. There are brighter days ahead.” (AB)
7:39 p.m. Crowd goes absolutely ham to Dr. Dre popping out for “Still D.R.E.” And “California Love” With Anderson .Paak. The Azoff Rolodex goes deep. (AB)
7:41 p.m. Crowd in here includes very soused Gen Xers who got a babysitter so they could happily justify dropping a grand on a big night out for fire relief. (AB)
7:42 p.m. Crowd at Intuit (which is nearing a full house) is older than I would’ve expected — but, as August suggests, FireAid tickets weren’t cheap. (MW)
7:50 p.m. “I can’t think of anyone better to console us than Joni Mitchell,” Morrissette said, introducing the doyenne of the California canyons to perform the regal and resonant “Both Sides Now,” with a stripped back version of her Joni Jam band. “I really don’t know life at all,” she sang to close on a plaintive note. A reminder to Cherish your L.A. treasures while we’ve still got them. (AB)
7:52 p.m. I’ve had the privilege of seeing Mitchell perform several times in the past couple of years — that may have been the strongest she’s sounded yet. (MW)
7:56 p.m. Members of the Williams family from Altadena recalled onstage, “At 3:30 in morning, the warning hit our phones. We grabbed what we could — our grandmothers special clock, our father’s ashes, our 47-year-old parrot Hank. Among the five of us standing here, we lost four homes and we’re struggling to find places to live. We love our community — we’re all grieving immense loss.”
“At our mother’s home, everything was destroyed except her front door,” they said. “It stands. It’s a sign, because that door was always open.” (AB)
Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes at the FireAid benefit.
(Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP)
8:08 p.m. Poignant lyrics from the band Dawes, whose singer and drummer both lost homes and studios in Altadena. “You’ve got that special kind of sadness, a tragic set of charms / That only comes from time spent in Los Angeles / Makes me want to wrap you in my arms.” This city can feel like it’s got disaster in its bones right now and surviving is a mark of making a life here.
Then they brought out Stephen Stills and Mike Campbell of the Heartbreakers for Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.” A reminder of all the music history that went up in this blaze, too. (AB)
Stephen Stills, left, and Graham Nash at the Forum.
(Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP)
8:13 p.m. Graham Nash joins his old bandmate, Stephen Stills, to dispense a bit of local mythology — “Whenever Los Angeles gets into trouble, the musicians are right there,” he says — and a comforting rendition of “Teach Your Children.” (MW)
8:22 p.m. “If you’re hurting, I’m hurting with you,” said Pink in an all-black funereal outfit. “I’m gonna keep my feet on the ground tonight,” she promised, alluding to her usual aerial routines, but sang a knockout take of “Me and Bobby McGee,” a song she said brought her comfort in bad times. (AB)
8:28 p.m. Pink digs deep into her classic-rock bag for a scorching version of (Led Zeppelin’s version of) “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You.” (MW)
8:35 p.m. Samuel L. Jackson is starting the show here at Intuit Dome by shouting out the first responders in the house: “We love our firefighters and we need to help them,” Jackson says. Then he introduces Rod Stewart as a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer — and his former neighbor. L.A.! (MW)
8:36 p.m. Can you imagine the Samuel L Jackson / Rod Stewart dinner parties we’ve been missing out on? Rod doing the Ezekiel 25:17 speech? Sam covering “Maggie May?” (AB)
8:39 p.m. “Here’s a new song,” Stewart says. “Not.” It’s “Maggie May,” of course, a song nobody in history has ever been sad to hear. Invite Rod to everything, is what I say. (MW)
8:48 p.m. Pink’s way of addressing the crowd to John Mayer: “Ladies and gentlemen and every other gender that absolutely exists.” (MW)
8:49 p.m. Despite the conflicts about climate and class inherent in the fires, the hosts have been avoiding politics until Pink tossed in that allusion to the current administration. Wonder if Billie Eilish or anyone with a passion for climate activism will make a more fervent point about it later. (AB)
John Mayer onstage at the Forum for FireAid.
(Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP)
8:57 p.m. Mayer, understanding the assignment as usual, describes Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” as “our first insight into the dream of living in California.” (MW)
9:04 p.m. I love that Earth, Wind and Fire tapped straight in with “That’s the Way of the World” — a song about “hearts of fire” — without a second thought. That’s how strong their vibes are and how welcome this tune is. (AB)
9:05 p.m. And now Earth, Wind and Fire is bringing the house down with the immortal “September,” a song with real-deal healing powers. Somebody give Verdine White a seat on the county Board of Supervisors. (MW)
Verdine White, center, with Serg Dimitrijevic, left, and Philip Bailey Jr. of Earth, Wind & Fire.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP)
9:16 p.m. John Fogerty is hitting us where we live right now with Creedence Clearwater Revival’s immortal “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” If only this parched city had seen a lot more of it earlier in winter. (AB)
9:18 p.m. Second Zeppelin cover of the night: Chris and Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes doing “Going to California” with Slash, whom Chris accurately notes needed no introduction. (The top hat helps.) (MW)
9:21 p.m. Not the point of the evening, necessarily, but consider Gracie Abrams’ stardom secured. The crowd at Intuit just roared louder for the 25-year-old singer — a proud Palisades native, for what it’s worth — than they roared for anyone else all night. Accompanied by Aaron Dessner on acoustic guitar, she’s doing a stone-cold L.A. classic: Counting Crows’ “A Long December.” (MW)
Gwen Stefani and No Doubt
(Chris Pizzello / Invision / AP)
9:33 p.m. Truly, who else are you going to call for this gig than No Doubt, the SoCal-est of SoCal bands, launches with “Just a Girl.” The band reunited for Coachella last year and might well have to keep it going if the Forum crowd has any say in it. (AB)
9:36 p.m. “Don’t Speak.” That’s it — that’s the tweet. (MW)
9:49 p.m. Stray thought during Tate McRae’s set: the long tail of OneRepublic’s “Apologize.” (MW)
9:56 p.m. I remember talking to McRae about moving to L.A. from Canada and what a culture shock it was for her. Wonder how the imagery of the fires will affect people around the world who had considered moving here for the usual reasons – and now see how quickly that fantasy can turn devastating. (AB)
9:54 p.m. “I am honored to play some country music” Jelly Roll says before muscling through “I Am Not OK,” a song about knowing that he can’t be the only one holding on for dear life. And then: a rollicking cover of the great Bob Seger’s “Hollywood Nights,” for which he’s joined by Travis Barker. What a song! More Seger (just in general), please. (MW)
Jelly Roll at FireAid
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP)
10:02 p.m. I tell you, anytime I think of leaving this town, there is nothing like some “Hollywood Nights” to pull me right back in. (AB)
10:13 p.m. “Gonna go a little rogue here,” Stevie Nicks says as she recounts the night that the fires raced toward her Palisades home, a 1938 wood house that miraculously survived thanks to firefighters from Santa Rosa. “I cannot believe the bravery of these men,” she says. From the stage she gives them a special dedication of “Landslide,” which has got to be an all-timer of a thank you. (AB)
10:15 p.m. Stevie sometimes hits the autopilot in concert these days — hey, she’s been at it a while — but this “Landslide” is stunning: a full-body immersion into the certainty that life is gonna throw you for a loop now and then. (MW)
10:39 p.m. St. Vincent, Kim Gordon and Joan Jett each fronting a full-on Nirvana reunion — what a way to wind down the night! Good on Dave Grohl for turning out for this, given everything. Really hope Kim Gordon wins a Grammy this weekend. “The Collective” absolutely rules. (AB)
10:39 p.m. Grohl, Pat Smear and Krist Novoselic have almost-reunited Nirvana a few times over the last decade or so, often without warning and often for a good cause. Joan Jett just popped out to do “Territorial Pissings,” and now Grohl’s 18-year-old daughter, Violet, is here to sing “All Apologies” (with Novoselic on accordion). The band sounds great — bludgeoning but tuneful, heavy yet light on its feet. (MW)
10:51 p.m. Good on the producers for including a segment acknowledging all the animals lost or affected. To me that’s one of the undercovered parts of this tragedy. (AB)
10:53 p.m. For all its stars, FireAid is extremely short on hip-hop — and now, sitting inside Intuit Dome as Lil Baby plays to a dead room, I can see what organizers were trying to avoid. Definitely not a rap crowd. (MW)
FireAid: Nirvana reunion, Stevie Nicks’ Palisades escape story
The recent devastating wildfires in California have brought communities together in a time of crisis, and the music industry is no exception. In a heartwarming display of solidarity, iconic rock band Nirvana has announced a special reunion performance at the upcoming FireAid benefit concert.
The concert, which aims to raise funds for fire relief efforts and support those affected by the wildfires, will also feature a special appearance by legendary singer Stevie Nicks. Nicks, who narrowly escaped the flames in her Palisades home, will share her harrowing escape story with the audience, shedding light on the urgency of supporting those impacted by the wildfires.
The FireAid benefit concert promises to be a night of powerful music, heartfelt stories, and a united front against the devastation caused by the wildfires. Join Nirvana, Stevie Nicks, and other musical acts as they come together to make a difference and support those in need. Let’s stand together and show our support for those affected by the wildfires. #FireAid #NirvanaReunion #StevieNicks #CaliforniaWildfires.
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Billy Crystal, who lost his home in the Palisades Fire, shared a moving message at the LA FireAid Benefit Concert on Thursday night at the Kia Forum.
Following Green Day’s performance, Crystal took the stage to introduce the show, with proceeds going to a non-profit, supporting displaced families, rebuilding of infrastructure as well as advancing fire protection technologies.
“Our goal is simple tonight, to raise more money than the Dodgers spent on free agents,” the comedian joked.
Billy Crystal, who lost his home in the Palisades Fire, shared a moving message at the LA FireAid Benefit Concert on Thursday night at the Kia Forum.(Getty Images)
Crystal explained that Steve Ballmer, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and the Intuit Dome, would be matching everyone’s donation, $1 for $1, on Thursday night.
The first donation of the night was from U2 for $1 million, which Ballmer will be matching, Crystal said.
“With your help around the country and here in the room, we will laugh again. We are going to listen to music again and we will be okay.”
— Billy Crystal
“You’ll be hearing from a number of people who were tragically affected by these fires, and I was one of them. These were the clothes I wore when I fled my house with my wife Janice, like so many of us did, on January 7th. This was all I had. Wore it for a week, plus an N-95 mask.”
A view of Billy Crystal’s home destroyed in the Palisades Fire.(Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
Crystal lived in his Palisades home for 46 years.(Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
“I looked like an evacuee or someone that just robed a 7-11,” Crystal joked.
Crystal explained that 23 years ago, he took the stage at Madison Square Garden to hold a benefit following 9/11. He explained that he walked out to a grieving audience, holding up posters with pictures of their loved ones asking if anyone had seen them.
“And tonight, here I am, talking to all of you in pain, but now I am also one of the hurting thousands, asking, ‘Have you seen my school? Have you seen my church? Have you seen my house? Have you seen my town? Have you seen the 29 people who lost their lives? Have you seen them?’” Crystal said.
Janice and Billy Crystal evacuated their home on Jan. 7.(Getty Images)
Crystal explained that following 9/11, he was honoring many first responders and firefighters who lost their lives.
“Tonight, we’re here together to thank them and all those who run towards danger while we run to shelter and safety,” Crystal said.
He paused to applaud the first responders, with some attending the benefit concert on Thursday night.
WATCH: Inuit Dome owner details how the FireAid benefit concert came to be
“When we were finally able to get back to our house in the Palisades, which I lived in for 46 years, like thousands of you, our house now looked like this,” Crystal said, before a photo of the aftermath of the Palisades Fire appeared on the screen.
Firefighters watch a helicopter drop water on the Palisades Fire on Jan. 11.(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Firefighters work from a deck as the Palisades Fire burns a beachfront property in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
“I stepped onto the grounds and fell to my knees and I wailed. I had not cried like that since I was 15 years old, and I was told that my father had just died. I remember looking in the mirror back then with my whole life ahead of me thinking, ‘What’s my life gonna be like without him?’”
“And now folks, I’m 76-years-old, without a mirror and a lot less life to ponder thinking, ‘What is my life going to be like without our home?’” Crystal asked.
“I stepped onto the grounds and fell to my knees and I wailed. I had not cried like that since I was 15 years old, and I was told that my father had just died.”
— Billy Crystal
Crystal explained that while visiting the grounds of what used to be his home for 46 years, his daughters ran over with a rock that had “laughter” engraved on it.
Billy Crystal said “we will laugh again” following the LA Fires.(Bruce Glikas)
“Even in your worst pain folks, it’s okay and it’s important to laugh,” he said. “When I held that rock in my hands, this was the only thing that was left, I thought it was a message from 15-year-old me, saying ‘It’s gonna be okay and it will be okay.’ “
“With your help around the country and here in the room, we will laugh again. We are going to listen to music again and we will be okay,” Crystal said.
Janelle Ash is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to janelle.ash@fox.com.
At the recent FireAid benefit concert, beloved actor and comedian Billy Crystal opened up about the heartbreaking experience of losing his home in the devastating Palisades Fire. The fire, which swept through the area with ferocious intensity, left many families homeless and in despair.
During his emotional speech at the concert, Crystal described the moment when he received the news that his home had been engulfed in flames. He spoke of the overwhelming feeling of helplessness and disbelief that washed over him, causing him to fall to his knees in despair.
Despite the immense pain and loss that he and many others have experienced, Crystal remains grateful for the outpouring of support and generosity from the community. He emphasized the importance of coming together in times of crisis and supporting one another through difficult times.
As he stood on stage at the FireAid benefit concert, Crystal’s words served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. His heartfelt message resonated with the audience, inspiring them to lend a helping hand to those in need and to stand in solidarity with those who have lost so much.
In the wake of such devastation, it is heartwarming to see individuals like Billy Crystal using their platform to raise awareness and support for those affected by the Palisades Fire. Let us all come together to show our compassion and kindness towards those who are struggling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of this tragedy.
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“California, Los Angeles, Altadena, the Palisades — we are in this together,” Green Day’s frontman Billie Joe Armstrong screamed to a sold-out crowd at L.A.’s Kia Forum on Thursday for the FireAid wildfire benefit concert.
As the first act of the star-studded evening, the iconic rock band kicked off the show with their 2009 track “Last Night on Earth,” bringing out fellow artist Billie Eilish to perform. The group reiterated that everyone was “in this together.”
Actor and comedian Billy Crystal, who lost his home in the Palisades Fire, took the stage after Green Day to officially welcome the crowd. He spoke about his own experience, telling concertgoers that he was wearing the clothes he evacuated from his home in, which he wore for a week. He announced that all donations of the night would be matched by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie Snyder, the first of which came from U2, according to Crystal, who donated $1 million dollars.
Alanis Morissette and Anderson .Paak kept the evening going. Morissette performed her 1998 song “Thank U” with messages of gratitude.
“As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the greatest nights in Los Angeles city tonight,” Paak told the crowd. The artist also gave the crowd a big surprise in the form of a special appearance of legendary rapper Dr. Dre.
“This is a magical moment for me. I’ve got so much love, you guys. This summer will be the mark of 40 years that I’ve been in this business. I appreciate all the love you’ve been giving me. I appreciate all the first responders and all the firemen who put their lives on the line. It’s all about love for me today,” the rapper said before jumping into his and Tupac’s iconic 1995 hit “California Love.” The crowd went wild as he performed with .Paak and singer and drummer Sheila E.
Legendary singer Joni Mitchell serenaded the crowd, the 81-year-old singer making a rare live appearance. The benefit also included words from those directly impacted by the fires, including Dr. Eshele Williams, her sisters and mother from Altadena, with ties to the community dating back to 1948 when their grandmother bought a home in the area. Dr. Williams explained that between the five of them on stage, four lost homes in the fire.
“We grabbed what we could, pictures, our grandmother’s special clock. We collected our father’s ashes and his flag from serving in the military,” she told the crowd. “We love our community and right now we are all grieving immense loss.”
Folk rock band Dawes performed a rendition of their 2011 song “Time Spent in Los Angeles.” The group’s frontman Taylor Goldsmith, married to actress Mandy Moore, and its drummer Griffin Goldsmith, his brother, were both directly impacted by the fire. Griffin lost his home in the fire, while Taylor lost his studio, including almost all of their instruments.
Dawes also brought out Stephen Stills to perform together before facilitating one of the biggest surprises of the night – a reunion between Stills and Graham Nash. The iconic members of Crosby, Stills and Nash performed their 1970 song, “Teach Your Children.”
“Take care of yourself, take care of one another,” Nash finished.
A slew of industry figures were spotted at the show already. Apple’s Eddy Cue was spotted with one of the show’s producers, Irving Azoff. Almost Famous filmmaker Cameron Crowe was also seen in the same viewing area. Manager Roger Davies was seen at the Forum venue ahead of client Pink’s performance.
Live Nation, AEG and the Azoff Company partnered with the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum in Inglewood to host the benefit show, described as an evening of music and solidarity. The concerts are being broadcast by select AMC Theatres, Apple Music and the Apple TV App, Max, iHeartRadio, KTLA+, Netflix/Tudom, Paramount+, Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, SiriusXM, SoundCloud, Veeps and YouTube, demonstrating how the music business is unifying around the local disaster.
Proceeds from the concert will go toward a 501(c)(3) created for the event that will focus on rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families and advancing fire prevention technologies and strategies to ensure L.A. is better prepared for fire emergencies.
FireAid is being produced by Shelli and Irving Azoff and the Azoff family, in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents.
This post will be updated throughout the show.
L.A. Wildfire Relief Benefit Concert FireAid Underway in L.A.
As wildfires continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles, the community has come together to support those affected by hosting the FireAid benefit concert. The concert, held at a local venue, aims to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts and provide support to those who have been displaced or impacted by the fires.
Featuring performances from local artists and musicians, FireAid promises to be a night of music, unity, and generosity. All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go directly towards assisting those in need and aiding in recovery efforts.
The concert is a reminder of the resilience and strength of the L.A. community, coming together in times of crisis to support one another. If you are in the area, be sure to attend FireAid and show your support for those affected by the wildfires. Together, we can make a difference and help rebuild our community. #FireAid #LAWildfireRelief #SupportLA
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When it was announced that both Graham Nash and Stephen Stills would be playing FireAid there was hope that the former Crosby, Stills & Nash bandmates would be reuniting for a performance. Well, Nash has seemingly confirmed that it’s happening.
Nash posted a photo with Stephen on Instagram taken during rehearsals for the charity event and revealed that they will be performing together.
“How fortunate to get to spend some time with my great friend Stephen again last night during rehearsals for @fireaidla,” he shared. “Tonight we’ll be sharing a stage together again. All for a really good cause.”
FireAid is taking place Thursday in Inglewood, California, at two separate venues: the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome. Nash and Stills are playing the Kia Forum, along with John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others.
The event will be broadcast and streamed live on Amazon Music/Prime Video, Apple Music, Disney+, Hulu, Facebook, Instagram, Max, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, NBC News Now, SoundCloud, Veeps and YouTube, among other platforms. It will also be shown in select AMC Theatres locations.
One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to LA wildfire relief.
Exciting news for fans of legendary rock band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young! Graham Nash has officially confirmed a FireAid reunion with former bandmate Stephen Stills. The two iconic musicians will be coming together once again to perform live on stage for a special charity concert.
This reunion is sure to bring back memories of the band’s incredible performances and timeless music. Fans can expect to hear classic hits like “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Teach Your Children,” and “Our House” performed live by these two incredible artists.
The FireAid reunion is set to be a night to remember, with all proceeds going to support those affected by wildfires. Stay tuned for more details on this highly anticipated event and be sure to secure your tickets early to witness this unforgettable musical reunion. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Graham Nash and Stephen Stills back together on stage!
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Tonight (January 31), a impressive roster of music stars will take part in two FireAid benefit concerts that will be held simultaneously at Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum near Los Angeles.
Among the many artists set to perform at the Kia Forum are Joni Mitchell, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash. It’s not known if any of these music legends will be collaborating at the concert, although if Graham and Stephen do hit the stage together, it would mark the first time they’d performed live with each other since Crosby, Stills & Nash sang at the National Tree Lighting in Washington, D.C., in December 2015.
Mitchell has had a musical association with Stills and Nash that dates back to early in her recording career. Of course, she also was involved in a romantic relationship with Nash from 1968 to 1970.
In honor of their participation in FireAid, here’s a look at the shared musical history of Joni, Stephen, and Graham.
Stills’ and Nash’s Contributions to Mitchell’s Albums
Around 1967 and early ’68, Mitchell briefly dated David Crosby, who became an early supporter of Joni’s work. Crosby produced Mitchell’s 1968 debut album, Song to a Seagull. Stills, who would soon team up with David in CSN, played bass on one song from the album—“Night in the City.”
Stills played a bigger role on Mitchell’s second album, Clouds (1969), playing bass and guitar on multiple tracks. Clouds featured Joni’s early classic “Chelsea Morning” and “Both Sides, Now.”
Crosby, Stills, and Nash all appeared on a famous song from Mitchell’s third album, Ladies of the Canyon (1970). Credited as the Lookout Mountain United Downstairs Choir, the trio sang backing vocals on “The Circle Game.”
Mitchell’s fourth album, Blue (1971), is widely considered to be one of the greatest albums of all time. Stills is featured on bass and guitar on the song “Carey.”
Blue also featured a number of intimate songs inspired by Joni’s relationship with Graham, including “My Old Man” and “River.”
Stills and Nash both appear on separate tracks on Mitchell’s fifth album For the Roses, which was released in 1972. Stephen played multiple instruments on “Blonde in the Bleachers,” while Graham played harmonica on “Blonde in the Bleachers.”
Nash and Crosby contributed backing vocals to “Free Man in Paris,” a hit single from Mitchell’s sixth studio album, Court and Spark (1974).
Graham and David also lent their vocal talents to “In France They Kiss on Main Street,” the lead track from Joni’s seventh studio album, The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975).
Mitchell’s Other Collabs or Musical Associations with Stills and Nash
Mitchell, of course, also wrote one of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s biggest hits, “Woodstock.” The song was inspired by the famous 1969 festival, although Joni did not attend or take part in the event. As for CSNY (Neil Young had joined Crosby, Stills & Nash shortly after the trio had released their self-titled debut album), Woodstock was one of their first gigs.
CSNY’s rocking cover of “Woodstock” was heard in Oscar-winning 1970 documentary about the festival, and the song reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Another one of CSNY’s most popular tunes, the Nash-penned folk ballad “Our House,” was inspired by a romantic day Graham spent with Joni.
Mitchell also sang backing vocals on “Another Sleep Song,” a track from Nash’s second solo album, Wild Tales (1974).
In addition, Joni painted the cover for the chart-topping 1974 Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young compilation So Far.
More About FireAid
As previously reported, the FireAid show will raise money for those affected by the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Southern California. The two-venue concert will be broadcast and streamed live by a wide variety of streaming platforms, radio stations, websites, and apps. The event also will be shown at select AMC Theatre locations.
Other artists who will perform at the Kia Forum include Stevie Nicks, John Fogerty, Alanis Morissette, Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt, The Black Crowes, Pink, Green Day, Dawes, and Anderson. Paak. In addition, Dave Matthews and John Mayer will perform together for the first time ever at the show.
Meanwhile, the lineup for the Intuit Dome performance includes Jelly Roll, Stevie Wonder, Katy Perry, Rod Stewart, Lady Gaga, Sting, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Lil Baby, Tate McRae, and Peso Pluma. Surprise guests also are expected to appear at both venues.
For more information about FireAid Benefit Concert, or to make a donation to the cause, visit FireAidLA.org.
(Photo by Robert Altman/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
In light of the upcoming FireAid benefit concert, it is only fitting to take a look back at the musical history of the legendary Joni Mitchell with Stephen Stills and Graham Nash. These three artists have shared a long and storied history of collaboration and friendship, creating some of the most iconic music of the 1960s and 1970s.
Joni Mitchell, known for her poetic lyrics and unique voice, first crossed paths with Stephen Stills in the mid-1960s when they were both part of the folk music scene in New York City. Stills, a talented guitarist and songwriter, was immediately drawn to Mitchell’s distinctive sound and they quickly became close friends and musical collaborators.
In 1968, Joni Mitchell released her debut album “Song to a Seagull,” which featured backing vocals from Stills on several tracks. The following year, Mitchell released her breakthrough album “Clouds,” which included the classic song “Chelsea Morning,” a collaboration with Stills.
Around the same time, Stills had formed the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young with David Crosby, Graham Nash, and Neil Young. Graham Nash, known for his ethereal harmonies and songwriting skills, quickly formed a close bond with Mitchell as well, leading to further collaborations between the three artists.
One of the most famous collaborations between Mitchell, Stills, and Nash was the iconic song “Woodstock,” which was written by Mitchell and famously covered by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The song captured the spirit of the 1969 music festival and became an anthem for a generation.
Throughout the years, Mitchell, Stills, and Nash continued to work together on various projects, including live performances and studio recordings. Their unique blend of voices and songwriting styles created some of the most beloved music of the era, cementing their status as musical legends.
As we look forward to seeing Joni Mitchell, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash perform at FireAid, let us take a moment to appreciate the incredible musical history that these artists have shared and the impact they have had on generations of music lovers. Their timeless songs continue to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world, making them true icons of the music industry.
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The FireAid benefit concert, the one-night-only event that will bring together 27 musicians, is taking place tonight to help fund efforts to rebuild communities impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. You can watch the live stream here on CBS News 24/7.
Contributions made to FireAid “will be distributed under the advisement of the Annenberg Foundation and will be distributed for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California,” organizers said.
Here’s everything you need to know about the music event, including how to watch, what artists are performing and how to help the wildfire victims.
How to watch the FireAid benefit concert
What: FireAid Benefit Concert
Date: Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025
Location: Performances will take place between two Los Angeles venues, the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum.
Time: The show kicks off at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST at the Kia Forum. At Intuit Dome, the performances begin at 10:30 p.m. EST/7:30 p.m. PST.
Online stream: The concert will be streamed across multiple platforms, including for free on CBS News 24/7, available on CBSNews.com, the CBS News app and Paramount+. Select AMC Theatres will also host screenings.
Those needing recovery assistance can apply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Join us tonight for a special benefit concert, Los Angeles FireAid, supporting those affected by the recent wildfires in our community.
Tune in to watch live performances from some of the biggest names in music, all coming together to raise funds and show support for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods in the fires.
You can watch the concert live on our website or on our social media channels. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and enjoy some amazing music at the same time. Together, we can make a difference for our neighbors in need. #LAfireAid #SupportFireVictims.
Alanis Morissette tore through a pair of her most beloved singles at the FireAid L.A. Benefit Concert on Thursday night (Jan. 30), taking the stage in the second slot at the Kia Forum and performing “Hand in My Pocket” and “Thank U.”
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Following Green Day’s opening set (which also featured special guest Billie Eilish), Morissette took the stage in an “I <3 LA” t-shirt covered in glitter. She immediately launched into “Hand in My Pocket,” prowling the stage in front of her band and blasting the song’s harmonica solo.
Wrapping up the Jagged Little Pill classic, Morissette declared, “I love you L.A., so much. The connections that have been born from these tragedies have been deeply heartwarming.” The version of “Thank U” that followed was both muscular and emotional, with Morissette this time swaying in front of a microphone stand.
The FireAid Benefit Concerts kicked off at the Forum and will continue at the Intuit Dome across town, with the goal of raising millions for those affected by the wildfires across Los Angeles earlier this month. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, John Mayer, Anderson .Paak and P!nk are among the artists scheduled to perform at the Forum, while Gracie Abrams, Rod Stewart, Lady Gaga and Olivia Rodrigo will play the Intuit Dome, among many others.
Click here to see how the Recording Academy and MusiCares are using partnerships to support wildfire relief efforts.
On Saturday night, the iconic singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette took the stage at FireAid, a benefit concert raising funds for those affected by recent wildfires. The crowd erupted in cheers as Morissette began to sing her classic hits, ‘Hand in My Pocket’ and ‘Thank U.’
With her powerful voice and emotional delivery, Morissette captivated the audience and brought a sense of unity and hope to all in attendance. The lyrics of ‘Hand in My Pocket’ resonated with many, as they sang along and swayed to the music.
As she transitioned into ‘Thank U,’ the crowd fell silent, hanging on every word as Morissette expressed gratitude and reflection in the face of adversity. The song’s message of finding peace and acceptance in challenging times was especially poignant in the wake of the recent wildfires.
Overall, Alanis Morissette’s performance at FireAid was a moving and unforgettable experience, reminding us of the power of music to heal and bring people together in times of need.
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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.
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.”
Dave Matthews.
Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage
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.
It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the cancellation of Dave Matthews’ appearance at the upcoming FireAid concert. The beloved musician has had to withdraw from the event due to a critical family illness that requires his immediate attention.
We ask for understanding and support during this difficult time for Dave and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this challenging situation.
We are working tirelessly to secure a replacement for Dave Matthews at the FireAid concert, and will provide updates as soon as possible. In the meantime, we thank you for your understanding and continued support of this important cause.
Thank you for your understanding.
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dave Matthews will no longer perform at FireAid, a star-studded benefit concert organized for Los Angeles-area wildfire relief, or the MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala this week.
According to a post shared to the official Dave Matthews Band Instagram account, “due to a critical illness in the family,” Matthews is no longer able to perform at either event.
A representative for the band told The Associated Press there will be no further comment.
At FireAid, Matthews was scheduled to perform at the Kia Forum alongside John Mayer for the first time.
All proceeds from FireAid will benefit those affected by the fires. A 501(c)(3) was set up, and contributions to FireAid will be distributed under the Annenberg Foundation, which with FireAid has assembled a small committee to advise.
MusiCares is an organization that helps music professionals who need financial, personal or medical assistance.
Earlier in the month, the Recording Academy — the people behind the Grammys — and its affiliated MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort with a $1 million dollar donation. According to a letter sent to members on Jan. 13, thanks to additional contributions, they’ve already distributed $2 million in emergency aid. Currently, they’ve raised and pledged more than $4 million in emergency aid to those in the music industry affected by the wildfires.
It is with a heavy heart that we must announce that Dave Matthews will not be able to perform at FireAid or any MusiCares benefit events in the near future. Due to a critical family illness, Dave is unable to commit to any additional performances at this time.
We ask for understanding and support during this difficult time for Dave and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this challenging situation.
Please continue to show your support for FireAid and MusiCares, as these organizations work tirelessly to provide aid and assistance to those in need within the music community.
Thank you for your understanding.
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Some of the music industry’s biggest superstars will unite tonight at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT for a one-night-only benefit concert to support the Southern California communities devastated by wildfires. Produced by Shelli, Irving, and the Azoff family, in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents, FireAid will feature present-day chart-toppers, like Gracie Abrams and Jelly Roll, as well as artists whose careers span five decades, like Rod Stewart and Earth, Wind & Fire. The two-venue event will be streamed live on Tudum from the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
Who’s performing at FireAid?
Featured artists from the Intuit Dome include Billie Eilish, Earth Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, and Tate McRae. Appearing at the Kia Forum are Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak, Dawes, Graham Nash, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, P!nk, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks, and the Black Crows. In addition, Dave Matthews and John Mayer will duet for the first time. Additional artists, special guests, and lineups for each venue will be announced in the coming days.
Can I buy tickets to FireAid?
Tickets for both concerts go on sale Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon PT through Ticketmaster.
Watch FireAid tonight at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT:
You can watch the FireAid live stream above. The event will also be broadcast and streamed live on Apple Music and the Apple TV app, Max, iHeartRadio, KTLA+, Paramount+, Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, SiriusXM (exclusively on “LIFE with John Mayer”) Spotify, SoundCloud, Veeps, YouTube, and at select AMC Theatre locations in 70 US markets. iHeartRadio will serve as the national audio partner to FireAid, using its more than 860 radio stations, its digital platforms and the iHeartRadio app.
How can I contribute to FireAid?
For more information on donations, please visit FireAidLA.org.
How will my FireAid donation be distributed?
Contributions made to FireAid will be distributed under the advisement of the Annenberg Foundation for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters. The Annenberg Foundation has decades of philanthropic leadership experience in Southern California, including rapid response resources; it will help coordinate a team to direct funds for the greatest impact. All proceeds from the FireAid benefit concerts at Intuit Dome and Kia Forum will go directly to the event’s designated beneficiaries, as the LA Clippers will cover the millions in expenses associated with the event.
Attention Los Angeles residents and music lovers!
We are excited to announce that a FireAid Benefit Concert will be taking place to support those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The concert will feature performances from local artists and bands, with all proceeds going towards relief efforts for those impacted by the fires.
We are also thrilled to share that the FireAid Benefit Concert will be streaming live on Tudum, so even if you can’t attend in person, you can still support a great cause from the comfort of your own home.
Mark your calendars for this incredible event and join us in coming together to support our community during this difficult time. Stay tuned for more details on the lineup and how you can donate to the cause.
Let’s show our support for Los Angeles and make a difference together. #FireAidBenefitConcert #SupportLA #TudumLiveStreaming.
