FireAid: Stars take to stage for LA benefit concert

To help the Los Angeles area recover from two of the most devastating fires in its history, a star-studded benefit concert will be held simultaneously at two venues in Los Angeles. This charity event, named "FireAid," brings together over 20 artists from various musical genres, aiming to raise funds for reconstruction in the affected areas.

Participating stars include Sting, P!nk, Lil Baby, Rod Stewart, Lady Gaga, and Earth Wind & Fire, among others. Additionally, many artists born in the Los Angeles area, such as Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and No Doubt, will also perform. All proceeds from the concert and live donations will be used to rebuild communities and prevent future fires in the region.

The rapidly spreading and destructive fires that broke out in early January resulted in at least 28 fatalities and the destruction of over 16,000 homes and businesses. The performances will take place on Thursday evening at two large venues—the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome—located about a mile apart. The shows will start approximately an hour and a half apart, with each artist expected to perform two to four songs.

Artists performing at the Intuit Dome include Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Tate McRae, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Meanwhile, the lineup at the Kia Forum features Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak, Dawes, Graham Nash, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, Pink, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks, The Black Crowes, and John Mayer. Dave Matthews, who was originally scheduled to perform in the second show, withdrew on Wednesday evening due to a "family member's serious illness."

Organizers stated that the performances will be staggered and simultaneously broadcast on large screens at both venues to ensure no breaks between shows. The event will also feature special guests and highlight individuals affected by the fires and the first responders involved in firefighting efforts. Furthermore, the concert will be streamed live for free on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Facebook, Instagram, Max, Netflix, Tudum, DirectTV, Paramount+, Peacock, NBC News Now, YouTube, and KTLA.

Viewers can donate to the relief efforts via text message or by visiting the FireAidLA.org website. Donations will be overseen by the Annenberg Foundation and used for both short-term relief efforts and long-term fire prevention projects. Additionally, Los Angeles Clippers owner and owner of the Intuit Dome and Forum, Connie and Steve Ballmer, will match all donations made during the live broadcast.

Earlier this month, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire became the largest fires in the history of the Los Angeles area. Both fires broke out on January 7th when the region experienced high winds, causing small fires in the mountain brush to become uncontrollable. Sparks spread for miles, igniting entire neighborhoods and leveling many blocks. The Palisades Fire destroyed nearly 7,000 structures in northwest Los Angeles, while the Eaton Fire destroyed another 9,400 structures in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County. Both fires also resulted in casualties.