The people of Los Angeles impacted by catastrophic fires that decimated whole communities can rest assured that celebrities from the music industry have their back. That was conclusively proven on Thursday, when two FireAid benefit concerts raised much-needed funds and garnered massive attention. It was all thanks to the participation of some of the biggest names in the entertainment business, from Lady Gaga to Stevie Nicks to Jelly Roll, per the Los Angeles Times. Organizers described it as "an evening of music and solidarity."
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Just days after fires ravaged places such as Pacific Palisades and Altadena, causing at least 29 fatalities and ruining some 16,000 structures, the pair of FireAid concerts at the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome took place. The two events featured performances from Rod Stewart, Green Day, No Doubt, John Mayer, Earth, Wind and Fire, Billie Eilish, Joni Mitchell, and many others eager to pitch in and help. The outpouring of concern and assistance was impressive. Per the outlet, "Connie and Steve Ballmer, who own the Clippers as well as Intuit Dome and the Forum, have pledged to match all donations made during the show."
Per the New York Times, "In the days leading up to the show, organizers said that they had already raised more than $60 million from ticket sales and corporate sponsorships."
Special Moments Abounded At FireAid Concerts
Image of Lady Gaga via Instagram (#fireaidla)
At the Forum, comedian Billy Crystal, who lost his own Pacific Palisades home in the disaster, was able to grimly joke about the tragedy. He quipped, "'These are the clothes I fled in,' he said, explaining that he looks like an evacuee or 'somebody who robbed a 7/11.'" Crystal also announced that U2 was contributing one million dollars to the relief effort.
In other highlights from the occasion, Alanis Morissette performed "Thank U." She introduced the legendary Joni Mitchell, who gave a rousing rendition of "Both Sides Now."
One family the Williamses, came out onstage and recalled their harrowing ordeal. Per the outlet, they said, "At 3:30 in morning, the warning hit our phones. We grabbed what we could — our grandmothers special clock, our father's ashes, our 47-year-old parrot Hank. Among the five of us standing here, we lost four homes and we're struggling to find places to live. We love our community — we're all grieving immense loss."
Graham Nash teamed with Stephen Stills on "Teach Your Children." Pink, clad in black, did the Janis Joplin classic, "Me and Bobby McGee."
Samuel L. Jackson Introduced Rod Stewart And Jelly Roll Did 'I Am Not OK'
Image of Rod Stewart via Instagram (#fireaidla)
Jackson gave a spirited shout-out to the brave firefighters who risked their lives to save others. "We love our firefighters and we need to help them," he exhorted the crowd.
One high point must have been Jelly Roll's performance of his hit, "I Am Not Okay," (how apropos). It was followed by his powerful rendition of "Hollywood Nights" with Travis Barker.
Lady Gaga, not to be outdone, did a new song that she and her fiance, Michael Polansky, wrote together. The flamboyant singer and actress said, "It's just for tonight — just for you,"
Those are just a few of the meaningful moments of the night. It is undoubtedly a comfort to countless people to see that they are so cared about by the music community.
