A powerful lineup of artists, including Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Pink, Katy Perry, Nirvana, and Dr. Dre, took the stage at FireAid in Los Angeles. The benefit concert aimed to support communities affected by two of the largest wildfires in the city's history.
Held at Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, the event featured over 20 performers across five hours of music. Each artist brought their energy, turning the night into a celebration of resilience and unity.
A Powerful Opening with Billy Crystal
The concert began with Billy Crystal, who welcomed the crowd with a mix of humor and emotion. He recalled the Pacific Palisades fire, which destroyed his home. Despite the tragedy, he found moments to smile.
Instagram | ktla5news | Billy Crystal opened the concert with heart.
"You’ll hear from many who lost everything. I was one of them," Crystal shared, adding that finding light in dark times is essential.
Meanwhile, performances at Intuit Dome kicked off, with live-streamed transitions keeping the energy high. Many artists had strong ties to Los Angeles, making their sets even more emotional.
Unforgettable Performances from Music Icons
Katy Perry energized the audience by waving the California flag while singing "California Gurls." The momentum continued with No Doubt, representing Orange County, and Dr. Dre, who delivered an electrifying "California Love."
"This moment is special. I have so much love for you all. Huge respect for the first responders and firefighters. Today, it’s about unity," Dr. Dre said.
Billie Eilish later joined Green Day for a powerful duet of "Last Night on Earth." Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong reminded the crowd, "We’re still standing. This is California, and we’re in this together." The night’s emotional highlights continued when Eilish returned with Finneas to perform "Wildflower" and "Birds of a Feather."
Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, and Nirvana Deliver Iconic Sets
Stevie Nicks dedicated "Landslide" to the firefighters who saved her home. "As the flames climbed the hill, I was sure my house was gone," she said. "But my home still stands strong, just like me."
Wearing an "I Love LA" t-shirt, Alanis Morissette performed "Thank U," expressing deep gratitude for the firefighters and essential workers who helped.
The concert also brought an unforgettable Nirvana reunion, with Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, and Krist Novoselic performing alongside guest singers like St. Vincent and Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth.
Legendary Moments and Special Appearances
Music legends including Olivia Rodrigo, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Sting, and Tate McRae also took the stage. The biggest surprise came from Joni Mitchell, 81, who made a rare public appearance. Seated on a golden throne, she performed "Both Sides Now."
"The lyrics, ‘something’s lost but something’s gained in living every day,’ felt like wisdom from one of music’s greatest voices," noted James Hall of the Telegraph. Meanwhile, the Red Hot Chili Peppers rocked the stage with "Under the Bridge." The lyrics, "the city, she loves me," held deeper meaning as Los Angeles came together to heal.
Instagram | philippinestar | smoothradio | Music legends delivered unforgettable performances.
Lady Gaga Closes with a Stunning Finale
As the night neared its end, Lady Gaga delivered an unforgettable performance of "Shallow," the hit from "A Star Is Born." Her powerful vocals and emotional delivery left the audience mesmerized. Spotted in the crowd, Former Vice President Kamala Harris attended alongside Doug Emhoff, who shared a photo from Intuit Dome with the caption:
"Tonight’s concert is a testament to Los Angeles’ resilience as we rebuild from this disaster."
Major Donations and Relief Efforts
Throughout the event, audiences were urged to donate. Early on, Billy Crystal announced that U2 had contributed $1 million to the relief efforts.
All proceeds from FireAid will help rebuild communities and support long-term wildfire prevention projects.
Wildfires Leave a Lasting Impact
The Palisades and Eaton fires are among the largest in Los Angeles history. Both started on January 7, fueled by strong winds. The flames spread rapidly, destroying entire neighborhoods. The Palisades fire consumed nearly 7,000 structures, while the Eaton fire destroyed 9,400 homes and businesses in Altadena.
At least 29 lives were lost, and over 16,000 properties were damaged. The road to recovery remains long, but through efforts like FireAid, hope continues to shine.
The FireAid concert wasn’t just a show—it was a movement. More than just entertainment, it brought together music, community, and generosity for a powerful cause. As donations continue to pour in, the support remains strong. With each contribution and act of kindness, Los Angeles moves closer to recovery. In the face of adversity, the city will rebuild stronger than ever.