Musicians and celebrities came together recently for a series of star-studded benefit concerts aimed at providing relief for those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Among the events, the Pre-Grammy gala hosted by legendary music mogul Clive Davis stood out, raising significant funds for disaster relief.
The fundraising efforts kicked off with Davis’ annual Pre-Grammy gala taking place on February 1, 2024. This year, the event was stripped of its usual pomp, rebranded as merely an “Event” rather than the customary gala due to the serious tone surrounding wildfires impacting thousands. Attendees were encouraged to donate, with a suggested minimum of $500 to enter. The funds raised will go to MusiCares' Fire Relief fund, which has already distributed around $4 million to more than 3,000 music industry individuals hit hard by the fires.
Musicians of all genres participated, ranging from contemporary stars like Post Malone and Doechii to legends like Joni Mitchell and Barry Manilow. Attendees included high-profile figures such as Nancy Pelosi and Jennifer Lopez, who mingled with the stars as they gathered to support the cause. Post Malone captured the audience's attention when he dedicated his performance to the brave first responders, stating, "Please take care of those on the front lines kicking ass."
Although all attendees united for the wildfire relief effort, the event still brought glitz and glamour, albeit more subdued than years past. The evening’s performances featured Doechii bringing her signature energy with the track “Denial Is A River,” and Shaboozey delivered emotional renditions of his best-known songs. The gala also included heartfelt tributes, including Michael Buble honoring the late Quincy Jones.
Jelly Roll hosted another significant benefit concert on February 2, 2024, at the Rose Bowl, drawing nearly 16,000 attendees, all comprised of emergency services workers who have been on the front lines during the wildfires. Addressing the crowd, Jelly Roll expressed his gratitude, stating, "I want you to know you are here tonight because you are a hero or you are a loved one of a hero... if I got a chance to go to California, I was gonna play music to everyone who worked their ass off for the last two months trying to keep the rest of this place safe." His heartfelt words were received with applause by the heroes present.
Performances at Jelly Roll’s concert were equally impressive, featuring acts from Lainey Wilson, Marshmello, Public Enemy, and Shinedown. The country star even performed his hit “Son Of A Sinner” and took to the stage with Shinedown to cover Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic “Simple Man.”
Just days before, the FireAid benefit concert also created waves as Joni Mitchell made one of her rare public appearances, alongside collaborations from big names like Billie Eilish and Green Day, who performed their poignant rendition of “Last Night On Earth.” Unexpectedly, the surviving members of Nirvana, joined by St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett, and Dave Grohl's daughter, Violet, stunned the audience with their appearance.
To top off the event, Lady Gaga made headlines with the debut of her new song inspired by the wildfires, titled “All I Need Is Time.” Addressing the crowd, she said, "I think we all need a lot of things right now, but I think something we may also need is time.” Her song served as both tribute and reminder of the resilience of communities facing disaster.
Beyond the performances, celebrities continued to lend their voices and financial support to the relief efforts. Notably, Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD foundation donated $2.5 million for recovery efforts, and Paris Hilton pledged $100,000 to aid displaced families, promising to match any donations made. Dave Grohl also dedicated his birthday to cooking meals for families impacted by the wildfires, showcasing the music industry's commitment to the communities affected.
With so many artists and organizations stepping up, the message of solidarity rang clear: the struggle against the devastating effects of the wildfires is far from over, but the spirit of community and support shines brightly through the music. These concerts not only provided necessary aid but also helped heal and uplift the spirits of those who gave so much to protect others.
The series of events surrounding the Grammy Awards this year will be remembered, not just for the performances from some of music’s biggest stars, but for the genuine sense of purpose and community support shared among them. The collective efforts showcase how the music industry can unite for greater causes, reflecting both resilience and compassion for those who faced such unprecedented challenges.