The wildfires that decimated parts of Los Angeles were historic in their devastation and cost.
The FireAid benefit concert on Jan. 30 will go down in history not only because it features some of the biggest names in music taking the same stage, but for the message of hope and unity those artists spread. And, hopefully, their performances will raise a monumental sum to aid in recovery and rebuilding.
So many musicians wanted to bring their spotlight to the cause, that what was initially set as a single event turned into dual concerts, both of which will be streamed for free on major streaming services, social media like YouTube and TikTok and broadcast stations.
Performers at the newly opened Intuit Dome include Billie Eilish, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Tate McRae and Earth, Wind & Fire.
At L.A. landmark Kia Forum, Alanis Morissette, Graham Nash, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, Pink, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks, the Black Crowes and John Mayer will perform.
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Contributions made to FireAid at fireaidla.org will be distributed under the advisement of the Annenberg Foundation and all proceeds will go directly to the event’s designated beneficiaries.
Follow along as we take you inside the fundraiser concerts from inside the Intuit Dome.
Green Day
Green Day kicked off the Kia Forum FireAid show with a subdued version of “Last Night on Earth.” As singer Billie Joe Armstrong, playing acoustic guitar, started the chorus of “sending all my love to you,” Billie Eilish, wearing a striped polo and tie, walked out as a surprise (she is scheduled for the Intuit Dome show starting later). The two Billies shared the chorus in front of a backdrop of stirring photos of fire rescue efforts.
Green Day’s set also included “Still Breathing” and the band’s pop-punk favorite, “When I Come Around,” featuring a blond Armstrong shouting out many of the California cities destroyed by the fires, including Altadena and Pacific Palisades. “We are in this together,” he yelled.
Alanis Morissette
Sporting an “I (Heart) LA” black T-shirt as she roamed the stage for “Hand in My Pocket,” Morisette led the crowd in a singalong of her 1995 hit, waving her hands overhead in a peace sign to underscore the lyrics and playing harmonica throughout.
“The connections that have been born from this tragedy are deeply heartening,” she said, adding a thanks to first responders during the opening keyboard notes of “Thank U.”
In keeping with the song’s title, the video screens behind the stage showed social media posts of people thanking firefighters for their efforts.
Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish are two incredibly talented and influential artists who have taken the music industry by storm. Their unique styles, powerful voices, and thought-provoking lyrics have inspired countless fans around the world.
Lady Gaga, known for her bold fashion choices and boundary-pushing performances, has always been unapologetically herself. From her early hits like “Just Dance” and “Poker Face” to her more recent work like “Shallow” from A Star is Born, Gaga’s music has resonated with fans of all ages.
On the other hand, Billie Eilish, with her haunting vocals and dark, introspective lyrics, has quickly risen to fame as a voice of her generation. At just 19 years old, she has already made a huge impact on the music industry, winning multiple Grammy Awards and breaking records with her debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?
Both artists have used their platforms to advocate for important issues such as mental health, body positivity, and LGBTQ rights. Their authenticity and willingness to speak out about these topics have inspired fans to embrace their own individuality and stand up for what they believe in.
In a world where conformity often seems to be the norm, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish serve as powerful reminders that it’s okay to be different, to be yourself, and to use your voice to make a difference. Their music and their message continue to inspire fans to be unapologetically themselves and to never be afraid to speak their truth.
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