A host of musical superstars reunited in Inglewood on January 30 2025 for a massive fundraising concert to raise money for the victims of the fires that struck California at the start of this year.
The FireAid Benefit Concert saw an incredible lineup with artists such as Sting, Katy Perry, Red Hot Chili Peppers as well as Billie Eilish participating and singing at this event. Taking place in two stadiums in Inglewood in Los Angeles County – the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum – . Rock band Green Day opened the 6 hours show with their 2009 hit song Last Night on Earth while Lady Gaga closed the event by performing hits from her 2018 movie A star is born such as Shallow and I’ll Always remember us. Other stars who were not scheduled to sing made a surprise appearance such as actor Samuel L. Jackson, who kicked off the concert at the Intuit Dome with a speech before introducing the first act.
“We’re here tonight to celebrate incredible music and support one another. The fires were devastating, but the bravery of firefighters—coming from across the country and even beyond—saved countless lives and homes. Some of them were even battling the flames while losing their own.” He said to the crowd.
He then urged the audience to applaud the hundreds of first responders in attendance. Samuel L. Jackson also introduced Los Angeles firefighter Chien Yu and his family. Yu and his family are among those who lost their home in LA. The firefighter recounted how he ensured his children’s safety before rushing to fight the Eaton Fire—only to lose his own home in the process. Thousands of people came to watch the show in person and over 50 million viewers were able to catch it online on 28 different streaming platforms including youtube (on which the video is still available) and Disney + . According to the LA Times, the event managed to raise a very impressive sum of 100 million USD. The total was bolstered by matching donations from Intuit Dome owner Steve Ballmer and his family. Contributions also poured in from music industry giants, including the Azoff family, rock legends U2, the Eagles, and others.
In a statement on fund distribution, FireAid’s organisers explained that the donations made during the event will support rebuilding efforts and wildfire prevention in the region
“The FireAid Grants Advisory Committee—comprising longtime L.A.-area philanthropic leaders with deep ties to the nonprofit community—has been identifying key areas of need for maximum impact. Led by the Annenberg Foundation, the committee has been actively listening to affected communities, assessing local resource gaps, and studying responses to past fire disasters, such as those in Maui and Northern California. The first phase of grants is expected to be awarded by mid-February.”
The investigation is still on-going on the fires that broke out in Southern California on January 7 2025 hitting large areas particularly in the Greater Los Angeles including Altadena and the Pacific Palisades causing 29 deaths with 31 people still missing, destroying and damaging over 18000 infrastructures and prompting 200 000 people to be evacuated. The fires were at last completely neutralised on February 1st.
The wildfires were a central theme of the Grammy awards, with local firefighters presenting the Album of the Year award to Beyoncé and the show featuring an opening medley by L.A. rock band Dawes, whose members lost homes and studios in the Eaton Fire. Over 24 million USD were also raised during the Grammys and other musical charity events for the wildfires victims.
