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INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The wildfires that ravaged sections of Los Angeles caused significant devastation and expense.

The FireAid benefit concert will be remembered not only for featuring iconic musicians sharing a stage but also for the uplifting message they conveyed. We hope their performances will generate substantial donations to assist in recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Contributions can be made at fireaidla.org.

Numerous musicians were eager to shine a light on this important cause, turning what was meant to be a single event into two concerts at the newly opened Intuit Dome and the historic Kia Forum. Both concerts were streamed for free on popular platforms, including social media networks like YouTube and TikTok.

Here’s a recap of the concert performances from YSL News’ perspective inside the Intuit Dome, presented in reverse order.

Lady Gaga

Closing the show, Lady Gaga performed a heartfelt rendition of “Shallow” behind her piano that built in emotion.

“During these times, we see how much we need one another,” she stated. “I want to always hold onto this memory.”

Her transition into the next song was smooth as she sang “Always Remember Us This Way,” another piece from the soundtrack of “A Star is Born.”

Gaga expressed a desire to leave the audience with an uplifting message, and since no existing songs felt suitable, she and her fiancé Michael Polansky wrote a special piece for the night.

“I believe we all need various things at the moment, but one vital thing is time. Time helps us heal,” she said, introducing a lively piano song she mentioned was “just for tonight.”

Gaga concluded her set by encouraging the audience to sing along to the refrain: “All I need is time, all I need is time, all I need is time … to leave it all behind and keep moving forward.”

Stevie Wonder

As the concert reached its final stretch, Stevie Wonder stepped up to deliver an uplifting message.

“In today’s world, we cannot afford to blame or shame one another. Instead, we must unite and pray as one global community,” he declared. “I thank God for the gift of song that I can share with you.”

Wonder, alongside his large band, performed the encouraging “Love’s in Need of Love Today,” then switched to a funky rendition of “Superstition,” with Sting joining in to provide backup and share verses.

His set evolved into a mini all-star jam, with Sting remaining onstage for “Higher Ground” and Flea joining in on bass for the funky track.

Billie Eilish and Finneas

After kicking off FireAid with Green Day, Billie Eilish later returned with her brother Finneas, who accompanied her on guitar for a more intimate selection of songs.

As a Los Angeles native, Eilish noted, “I’m incredibly fortunate to be here,” in between her melodious performances of “Wildflower” and “The Greatest.”

“This is a really frightening time, and LA, my beloved city, means so much to me,” Eilish stated. “To everyone facing hardships, know that I love you and I’m here for you.”

Eilish and Finneas closed their set with the enchanting “Birds of a Feather,” which has received three Grammy nominations.

Peso Pluma

The Mexican singer-rapper offered a taste of reggaeton with a performance of “La Bebe,” his collaboration with Yng Lvcas, in a unique one-song appearance sporting an all-white outfit and baseball cap.

Sting

Dressed in a sleek black turtleneck and fitted pants, Sting showcased his vocal prowess while recovering from a recent throat infection that caused some postponed shows.

He delivered captivating long notes in “Message in a Bottle” alongside his trio bandmates Dominic Miller on guitar and Chris Maas on drums, smoothly transitioning into another classic Police hit, “Driven to Tears.”

Also, he played a delicate version of “Fragile” while seated, complementing Miller on guitar, enhancing the song’s subtle themes.

Olivia Rodrigo

The passionate pop star, originally from California, opened with her breakthrough hit “Drivers License,” then chose to address the current situation more personally.

“It’s heartbreaking to watch all this destruction unfold in such an incredible city,” she expressed. “I find Los Angeles so beautiful and inspiring.”

This prompted her to perform the emotionally charged “Déjà Vu,” during which Rodrigo energetically skipped across the stage with liveliness and joy.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Beginning their set with the quintessential California anthem “Dani California,” the Red Hot Chili Peppers embraced their roots, showcasing Flea’s unique energy in a playful performance wearing aqua-tinged hair and tattoos.

Flea and guitarist John Frusciante then jammed into “Californication,” with the charismatic Anthony Kiedis gripping the mic firmly while Chad Smith kept solid rhythms.

“Los Angeles, this is our home. We (expletive) love you!” Flea exclaimed before the band performed “Black Summer,” a track from their 2022 album, “Unlimited Love.”

They concluded their set with a beloved classic, the iconic “Under the Bridge,” which is always a crowd favorite for singalongs.

Lil Baby

Adding a hip-hop flair to the lineup, Atlanta rapper Lil Baby performed a quick set with a DJ, starting with “So Sorry.”

“My heart goes out to everyone affected,” he expressed, giving a heartfelt “super shoutout to the first responders.”

Dressed in black with icy accents, he confidently moved across the stage while delivering “Emotionally Scarred” before the show returned to the Kia Forum.

Nirvana with St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett and Violet Grohl

In a surprise twist, a Nirvana reunion featuring a rotating cast of talented female singers took the stage, with Dave Grohl on drums, Pat Smear on guitar, and Krist Novoselic on bass.

The band powered through several Nirvana tracks, though the audio fluctuated at times, particularly during St. Vincent’s energetic rendition of “Breed.” The intensity and energy remained high as Kim Gordon stormed through “School” and Joan Jett added her fierce style to “Territorial Pissings.”

Grohl’s daughter, Violet, aged 18 and frequently performing with her dad, also joined this stellar lineup for Nirvana’s nearly ballad, “All Apologies.”

Katy Perry

The proud California native kicked off her three-song set with a choir for an emotional performance of “Rise,” explaining to the crowd how the state always rises above challenges. Perry then energized the crowd with “Roar,” belting out lines like “You held me down, but I got up. Already brushing off the dust.”

“This is what differentiates us from the robots,” she noted, roaming the stage in a Los Angeles Fire Department T-shirt.

Unsurprisingly, a performance in her home state concluded with “California Gurls,” sung joyfully as she waved the state flag, encouraging the audience to sing along.
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Stevie Nicks

After a captivating performance of “Stand Back” wearing a stunning black-and-gold chiffon cape, and accompanied by her loyal guitarist Waddy Wachtel, Stevie Nicks shared a heartfelt experience about the devastating wildfires that nearly claimed her Pacific Palisades home.

Nicks was forced to evacuate her house, built in the 1930s, fearing she might never see it again. Aware that its wooden structure could easily ignite, she worried it would set the whole neighborhood on fire.

Fortunately, her home stood its ground just like Nicks herself, as she beautifully put it, “she stands strong just like her mom.”

The Fleetwood Mac legend also delivered an emotional rendition of “Landslide,” which she dedicated to the brave Santa Rosa firefighters who protected her home.

She concluded her touching set with “Edge of Seventeen,” featuring its energetic guitar riff that infused the audience with enthusiasm.

Jelly Roll

The country rocker made an entrance wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers cap for his popular track “I Am Not Okay.” With his charming persona, the tattooed singer blew kisses to the crowd and eagerly mentioned his excitement to perform “one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite songwriters in one of my favorite cities.”

Jelly Roll brought out Travis Barker, the drummer from Blink-182, who Jelly Roll affectionately called “my big brother.” They energized the audience with a lively performance of Bob Seger’s “Hollywood Nights,” highlighted by Barker’s dynamic drumming style, spinning his sticks and delivering a punchy beat.

Tate McRae

The Canadian singer-songwriter took the stage with her band to perform “You Broke Me First,” the song that catapulted her to fame on TikTok in 2020. She shared with the audience that she moved to Los Angeles four years ago to pursue her dream of becoming a musician.

“I think we can all agree that the magic we’ve created together is beautiful to witness,” she remarked before singing a soft version of Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over.”

No Doubt

The iconic band from Orange County, No Doubt, thrilled fans with a vibrant reunion performance in 2024 at Coachella, kicking off with “Just a Girl.”

Gwen Stefani showcased her energetic presence on stage, and the whole band radiated joy as she engaged the audience in a playful call-and-response during the performance. No Doubt wouldn’t feel complete without their signature song, “Don’t Speak,” as Stefani delivered it with captivating intensity.

The upbeat ska-pop track “Spiderwebs” soon followed, igniting the crowd with excitement, showcasing Stefani’s lively charisma as a frontwoman. “Look at us all coming together for love,” she smiled.

Gracie Abrams

Gracie Abrams, the young talent and daughter of filmmaker J.J. Abrams, expressed her affection for her hometown of Palisades while performing her hit “I Love you, I’m Sorry.”

“This beautifully illustrates what music accomplishes – it connects people in such powerful ways,” she said, reinforcing her love for “Los Angeles being home.”

Abrams also performed a heartfelt version of The Counting Crows’ 1996 classic “A Long December,” guiding the audience through its memorable “na na na na” chorus.

The Black Crowes, John Fogerty and Slash

With his trademark wiry frame, Chris Robinson swayed behind the microphone as Rich Robinson delivered gritty riffs from their 1992 hit “Remedy.” Following this, Rich and the band stayed on stage to perform “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” a beloved song from John Fogerty’s Creedence Clearwater Revival era.

“This song has a rainbow in it, and it’s just for you,” Fogerty remarked about the timeless 1971 hit.

Chris later returned to the stage alongside guitar legend Slash, who was instantly recognizable in his iconic black hat, for “Going to California,” a tune Chris labeled “fitting for the evening.” They harmonized splendidly with dual acoustic guitars, while Chris’s powerful vocals enriched the performance.

Earth, Wind, and Fire

The classic trio from Earth, Wind, and Fire – Verdine White, Philip Bailey, and Ralph John – enriched the set with B. David Whitworth for a smooth rendition of “That’s the Way of the World.” This led to their famous live segues with “Shining Star” and “September,” showcasing their sparkling brass, harmonious vocals, and tight musicianship that amplify the incomparable energy of these R&B icons.

John Mayer

The renowned solo artist and occasional Dead & Company member stepped up to fill in after Dave Matthews had to cancel last minute due to a family emergency.

John Mayer, looking youthful in jeans and glasses, captured the spotlight solo as he finger-picked his acoustic guitar through “Neon” and struck the emotional tones of “Gravity,” which he previously described at a 2005 concert as “the most significant song I’ve ever penned.”

He also honored both Tom Petty and the essence of Thursday night’s benefit with a heartfelt rendition of Petty’s “Free Fallin.’”

“For many of us growing up, this song offered our first glimpse into the allure of dreaming about living in California, and it truly is a dream,” Mayer reflected. “For those who have seen their dreams shattered, tonight, and many nights to come, we will unite to help mend those dreams.”

Rod Stewart

The flamboyant legend kicked off the show at the Intuit Dome, donning a zebra-striped jacket and a shirt that was unbuttoned halfway down. With a raspy voice and his characteristic energy, Rod Stewart reached out to the audience while performing “Forever Young,” a fitting tribute from the 80-year-old rocker who still sports an impressive spiky hairstyle.

“I’ve lived here for 50 years, so Los Angeles is a part of my blood, soul, and heart,” Stewart expressed.

The performance of “Maggie May,” enriched with mandolin strumming, transformed into a lively clap-along, as Stewart danced around the stage with undiminished vigor. His soul-stirring rendition of Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” hit the perfect emotional note.

Pink

The powerhouse vocalist sat beside her guitarist, Justin Derrico, as she launched into “What About Us.” Pink delivered the song with her usual passion, visibly moved as she placed her hand over her heart.

Known for her powerful vocals as well as her acrobatics during performances, Pink told the audience, “Tonight, I’ll keep my feet on the ground,” reminding everyone that music can offer solace with a gritty rendition of Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee.”

However, it was her breathtaking performance of Led Zeppelin’s “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” that left a lasting impression. Pink’s powerful delivery nearly blew Derrico off his stool during the song’s climactic moments, while he matched her intensity with a thrilling guitar solo.

Dawes with Stephen Stills, Mike Campbell and Graham Nash

The L.A.-based band Dawes, some members of whom lost their homes in the fires, performed the poignant track “Time Spent in Los Angeles.”

After their heartfelt tribute to their hometown, frontman Taylor Goldsmith, who is married to singer/actress Mandy Moore, invited Stephen Stills and Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers’ guitarist Mike Campbell to the stage. They all jammed together on “For What It’s Worth,” the classic written by Stills during his time with Buffalo Springfield. The musicians engaged in a playful exchange of guitar solos as they closed the set with the poignant 1960s anti-war anthem.

Graham Nash, another legend from the folk-pop scene, joined them, sharing a warm gesture with Stills as he made his way to the microphone.

“Whenever Los Angeles finds itself in trouble, musicians come together, and I’m proud to be part of that,” Nash stated.

With Stills by his side, Nash led the way through a rendition of Crosby, Stills and Nash’s “Teach Your Children.”
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Joni Mitchell

Seated majestically in her ornate throne, dressed in a luxurious black velvet pantsuit, black hat, and sunglasses, Joni Mitchell, a legend of Laurel Canyon music, moved the audience to tears with her heartfelt rendition of “Both Sides Now.” At the age of 81, her music carries the profound insights of her life experiences. Her interpretation of the line “something’s lost and something’s gained in living every day,” enhanced by tenor saxophone, resonated deeply with those present.

Anderson .Paak, the Free Nationals with Sheila E. and Dr. Dre

The versatile Anderson .Paak took to the drums for the song “Put Me Thru,” proudly displaying his Koreatown roots with a snug hoodie representing the iconic Los Angeles area.

During the performance, he engaged in an energetic drum battle with Sheila E., 67, who kicked high while showcasing her percussion skills as she played her hit “The Glamorous Life.”

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected,” Paak expressed. “But honestly, I believe tonight is one of the most remarkable nights in LA history.”

With his funky band, .Paak energized the crowd with “Come Down,” encouraging fans to sway along, yet the loudest cheers erupted when Dr. Dre made a surprise appearance for “Still D.R.E.”

“This year marks my 40th anniversary in the industry,” Dre announced to the audience, leading seamlessly into Tupac Shakur’s iconic “California Love,” with both Dre and .Paak trading verses while Sheila E. added rhythmic flair before dramatically tossing her cymbal stand across the stage.

Alanis Morissette

Wearing a black T-shirt that said “I (Heart) LA,” Alanis Morissette energized the audience as she performed “Hand in My Pocket,” encouraging a lively singalong with the crowd while playfully waving her hands in a peace sign and blowing harmonica tunes.

She expressed gratitude for the connections formed from recent tragedies, thanking first responders as the opening notes of “Thank U” began.

In line with the song’s theme, video screens displayed heartfelt social media messages where people expressed their appreciation for firefighters’ courageous efforts.

Green Day

Green Day commenced the Kia Forum FireAid show with a gentle rendition of “Last Night on Earth.” As singer Billie Joe Armstrong strummed his acoustic guitar and began the emotional chorus of “sending all my love to you,” Billie Eilish, dressed in a striped polo and tie, made a surprise entrance (she is set to perform at the forthcoming Intuit Dome show). The two Billies harmonized beautifully against a backdrop of powerful images showcasing fire rescue missions.

The band continued their set with “Still Breathing” and their beloved pop-punk anthem, “When I Come Around,” featuring Armstrong, now sporting blonde hair, passionately calling out the names of California cities that faced destruction due to fires, such as Altadena and Pacific Palisades. “We are all in this together,” he declared.