Nirvana’s surviving members reunite at FireAid; Stevie Nicks recounts her harrowing Palisades escape
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FireAid Benefit Concert Brings Together Music’s Biggest Stars for Wildfire Relief
Less than three weeks after devastating wildfires claimed 29 lives and destroyed over 16,000 structures in the Los Angeles area, FireAid—a benefit concert aimed at raising funds for affected communities and supporting wildfire prevention efforts—has taken center stage.
FireAid spans two venues: Inglewood’s Intuit Dome and the nearby Kia Forum. The star-studded lineup includes Billie Eilish, Green Day, Joni Mitchell, John Fogerty, No Doubt, Jelly Roll, Stevie Nicks, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, Peso Pluma, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many more. Katy Perry, joined by the Pasadena Chorale—whose home base, Altadena Community Church, was lost in the fires—delivered an emotional performance. Some choir members and their artistic director, Jeffrey Bernstein, lost their homes in the disaster.
Spearheaded by veteran music industry figures, including Irving Azoff and his family, FireAid is being livestreamed on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Max, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Twitch. Clippers owners Connie and Steve Ballmer, who also own Intuit Dome and the Forum, have pledged to match all donations made during the event.
Live Updates
5:45 p.m. – A Star-Studded Evening Begins
The atmosphere at the Forum is electric, with music legends and modern icons taking the stage. While Dave Matthews had to withdraw due to a family emergency, the lineup remains stacked, featuring Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak, John Mayer, Graham Nash, Green Day, P!nk, Stephen Stills, and the Black Crowes. Meanwhile, the Intuit Dome, set to kick off at 7:30 p.m., promises a more pop-centric lineup.
7:02 p.m. – A Billie & Billie Collaboration
Green Day opens the night with a stripped-down rendition of “Last Night on Earth” before surprising the audience by bringing out Billie Eilish to sing the second verse. The performance is broadcast live to the Intuit Dome, drawing cheers from the audience there as well.
7:17 p.m. – Billy Crystal’s Poignant Humor
Hosting duties fall to Billy Crystal, who seamlessly blends humor with heartfelt reflection. Acknowledging his own loss in the Palisades Fire, he jokes about his disheveled appearance before announcing a $1 million donation from U2. “One city, one heart,” he concludes, capturing the spirit of the night.
7:24 p.m. – Alanis Morissette’s Tribute
Wearing an “I Heart LA” shirt, Alanis Morissette delivers stirring renditions of “Hand in My Pocket” and “Thank U,” filling the Forum with gratitude and resilience.
7:32 p.m. – Stories of Survival
Between performances, videos highlight harrowing survivor stories. One Altadena resident recounts fleeing in the middle of the night with only a few cherished belongings. “I’m a carpenter—I want to rebuild Altadena. There are brighter days ahead.”
7:39 p.m. – Surprise Appearance by Dr. Dre
The crowd erupts when Dr. Dre joins Anderson .Paak for “Still D.R.E.” and “California Love,” a moment that underscores the depth of FireAid’s lineup.
7:50 p.m. – Joni Mitchell’s Unforgettable Performance
Introduced by Morissette as “someone who can console us all,” Joni Mitchell delivers a stunning rendition of “Both Sides Now.” Her voice, stronger than it has been in recent years, leaves the audience spellbound.
8:22 p.m. – P!nk’s Soulful Dedication
Dressed in all black, P!nk pays tribute to those affected by the fires. “If you’re hurting, I’m hurting with you,” she says before delivering a powerful rendition of “Me and Bobby McGee” and a scorching take on “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You.”
8:36 p.m. – Rod Stewart & Samuel L. Jackson’s Unexpected Friendship
Samuel L. Jackson takes the stage at Intuit Dome to honor first responders before introducing his “former neighbor,” Rod Stewart. The rock icon launches into “Maggie May,” delighting the crowd.
9:04 p.m. – Earth, Wind & Fire Lift Spirits
With their timeless classic “September,” Earth, Wind & Fire injects a much-needed dose of joy into the evening. “That’s the Way of the World” also makes an appearance, its lyrics resonating with the event’s theme of resilience.
9:16 p.m. – John Fogerty’s Emotional Set
Fogerty performs Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”—a fitting choice for a city that could have used more of it before the fires.
9:21 p.m. – Gracie Abrams’ Star-Making Moment
At Intuit Dome, Gracie Abrams receives one of the night’s loudest ovations as she delivers a heartfelt rendition of Counting Crows’ “A Long December.”
9:33 p.m. – No Doubt Reunites
Southern California’s own No Doubt takes the stage with an electrifying performance of “Just a Girl” and “Don’t Speak,” proving their enduring appeal.
10:13 p.m. – Stevie Nicks Honors Firefighters
Stevie Nicks shares her own experience with the fires, recounting how her Palisades home was saved thanks to heroic firefighters. She dedicates “Landslide” to them, delivering one of the night’s most moving moments.
10:39 p.m. – A Special Nirvana Reunion
Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear reunite with guest vocalists St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, and Joan Jett to perform Nirvana classics. Grohl’s daughter, Violet, takes the stage for “All Apologies.”
11:05 p.m. – Red Hot Chili Peppers Close the Night
Flea, clad in a Speedo, leads the Red Hot Chili Peppers through a high-energy closing set, cementing their role as the ultimate L.A. band.
11:29 p.m. – Olivia Rodrigo & Billie Eilish Wrap Up
Olivia Rodrigo’s heartfelt “Deja Vu” and Billie Eilish’s anticipated final performance serve as fitting conclusions to a marathon night of music and solidarity.
A Night to Remember
As FireAid stretches beyond five hours, its impact is undeniable. More than just a star-studded event, the concert serves as a testament to the resilience of Los Angeles and the unwavering support of its artistic community. With millions raised, FireAid stands as a beacon of hope for wildfire victims and a reminder of music’s power to heal.
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