Los Angeles was the backdrop for the FireAid benefit concert on January 30, 2025, where the community came together to raise funds for victims of the devastating wildfires, particularly the tragic Palisades Fire. Actor and comedian Billy Crystal, who lost his family home to the flames, headlined the event at the Kia Forum, sharing his heart-wrenching personal story with attendees.
"Tonight, we are here together to thank [the firefighters and first responders] and all those who run toward danger..." Crystal opened, his voice trembling with emotion. Clad in the same blue hoodie and jeans he wore when he fled his house, he reminded everyone of the urgent need for support. Crystal reminisced on his home, which his family had occupied since 1979, sharing the painful moment he returned to see it reduced to ruins. "I stepped onto the grounds and I fell to my knees and I wailed..." he recounted. "I had not cried like this since I was 15 years old when my father passed away."
Green Day kicked off the concert with their anthem, "Last Night on Earth," setting the tone for both reflection and community support. Billy Joe Armstrong, the lead singer, expressed solidarity with Los Angeles residents: "We're still alive, this is California, and we're all in this together..." Their performance was followed by numerous prominent artists, including Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, and many others exhibiting their support.
Crystal humorously added, "Our goal is simple tonight, to raise more money than the Dodgers spent on free agents..." as he encouraged donations. He mentioned how Steve Ballmer, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, offered to match every donation made during the concert. The first donation of the night, which set the stage for donations to pour in, was from U2 for $1 million—a massive show of support, matched dollar-for-dollar by Ballmer.
"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 reassured the audience, bridging the gap between grief and hope, highlighting how humor is necessary even amid tragedy. He also poignantly noted, "I looked like an evacuee or someone who just robbed a 7-Eleven..." evoking laughter and tears from the crowd.
While the concert served as both entertainment and fundraising, it also acted as a reminder of the importance of community strength. Crystal spoke to more than just the loss of property; his words hit home to every family affected. He asked, "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?"
Among the performances, Crystal’s story stood out as he shared personal anecdotes about the engraved rocks from his backyard garden—words like "Welcome," "Patience," "Dream," and the one remaining unscathed, "Laughter." He concluded with the sentiment, "Even in your worst pain, it’s okay and it’s important to laugh. When I held the rock with ‘Laughter’ inscribed, I thought it was a message from my younger self. It’s gonna be okay, and it will be okay."
Despite the emotional toll of the night, the spirit of resilience and community rang clear. Thousands tuned in from around the globe, with fans using major streaming services including Disney+ and Apple Music to participate remotely. The event not only aimed at raising funds but also fostering hope and assurance of rebuilding the community. Donations continued to flow for rebuilding infrastructure, supporting displaced families, and investing in fire protection technology.
Lines outside the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome remained long, yet there were no major incidents reported throughout the evening—just heartfelt connection and community support for one another. The FireAid concert illustrated the strength and fortitude of the Los Angeles spirit, showing how, even through the ashes of loss, laughter and love could still spark anew.