On January 30, 2025, Los Angeles hosted the FireAid Benefit Concerts, where some of pop music's most celebrated artists united to support recovery efforts following devastating wildfires. Held concurrently at the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum, these concerts aimed to raise significant funds for relief operations, addressing both immediate and long-term needs of affected communities.
The wildfires, which began earlier this month, have caused extensive damage, leading to the destruction of thousands of structures across the area. According to the FireAid website, contributions from this event will be advised by the Annenberg Foundation and directed toward relief efforts and initiatives aimed at preventing future disasters.
Beginning the evening at Kia Forum were Green Day, whose energetic set included special guest Billie Eilish. They set the tone for the night, which proceeded to feature powerhouse performances from artists ranging from Alanis Morissette to Dave Matthews and John Mayer. Eilish also made headlines as the first act of the evening at Kia Forum.
Billie Eilish, known for her emotive performances, said, "This is about more than music; it’s about solidarity with our community and our commitment to rebuilding."
Alanis Morissette took the spotlight shortly afterward, dazzling the audience with hits like "Hand in My Pocket" and "Thank U." Prowling the stage adorned in an "I <3 LA" t-shirt covered in glitter, she reflected on the power of connection forged through adversity, stating, "I love you L.A., so much. The connections...from these tragedies have been deeply heartwarming." This sentiment echoed through the crowd, underscoring the impact of music as more than just entertainment.</p>
Fans were treated to performances from other legendary artists including Joni Mitchell, Lady Gaga, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Each act electrified the audience, contributing to the cumulative goal of raising funds – expected to soar past the $60 million mark with donations already pouring in.
Irving Azoff, the concert's mastermind, shared his vision of the event, emphasizing, “Our aim is to embody the spirit of L.A., showcasing not only the talent of these artists but the resilience and hope of our community.” He added, “Every cent from ticket sales and donations will funnel directly to wildfire recovery and prevention, supporting frontline responders and survivors.”
Key corporate sponsors included American Express, Netflix, and Spotify, all of whom stepped up to back the event. Some individual donations have also proved substantial, with the Eagles contributing $2.5 million to kickstart fundraising efforts before the concert even began.
To maximize the concert's reach, the performances were staggered between the two venues, and significant logistical efforts enabled the concerts to be streamed live on platforms such as YouTube, Disney+, and TikTok, allowing thousands more to join the effort from home. Audiences engaged with real-time text donation options, committing to support the cause as the night unfolded.
Many surprise collaborations and special guest appearances were anticipated, keeping the audience eagerly guessing. Concertgoers included local residents, as over 2,500 tickets were distributed to first responders and wildfire victims, emphasizing the communal spirit behind the events.
Despite the challenges of planning such large-scale events amid continuing recovery efforts, organizers aimed to create not just concerts but a vibrant celebration of life and resilience, asserting, "We are stronger together, and our art will lead us forward."
With the tremendous support from celebrities, corporations, and the community, FireAid stood out as one of the most significant charity events to take place recently. It is poised to create lasting change for wildfire-affected communities and reminds everyone of the power of unity through music.