I was able to attend the recent six hour fund-raising concert that benefit the thousands of people who lost their homes and businesses in the recent fires around the Los Angeles area. The unique weather conditions combined drought effects, up to 100 MPH winds, and some arson to burn eight different areas of Los Angeles County. The two major fires (Palisades and Eaton) destroyed or damaged 6,354 homes, numerous business, and 38,000 acres. The estimated rebuild cost is between $95B and $164B.
This does not include the impact of recent federal government actions to scare away foreign workers and tariff imports, which will raise the already ridiculously-high building costs by up to 25% while delaying reconstruction. Many of the residential properties had been handed down over generations, and the owners cannot afford to rebuild.
The concert, held at two adjacent venues, raised over $100M for fire victims, which should help with short term food, clothes and shelter needs while people figure out what's next for them. All artists, venues and related businesses waived any charges and fees.
Each artist performed between one and four songs. In between each set were video clips and live people that suffered from, fought, and were connected to the burn areas.
Here's a sequenced list of the performers, including unannounced guests that joined in. I've included video from three of my favorite & most meaningful songs that night.
Green Day (with Billie Eilish)
Alanis Morrisette
Anderson.Paak (with Shiela E & Dr. Dre)
Joni Mitchell performing "Both Sides Now"
Dawes (With Stephen Stills, Mike Campbell, Graham Nash)
P!nk performing the Led Zeppelin song "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You"
Rod Stewart
John Mayer
Earth, Wind & Fire
The Black Crowes (with John Fogerty and Slash)
Gracie Abrams
No Doubt
Tate McRae
Jelly Roll
Stevie Nicks
Katy Perry
Nirvana / Foo Fighters trio (with St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett and Violet Grohl)
Lil Baby
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Olivia Rodrigo
Sting
Peso Pluma
Billie Eilish
Stevie Wonder performing, among other songs, "Love's In Need of Love Today"
Lady Gaga
If you're interested, here are links to the entire concert, including images and testimonials, and the set list.
https://wmmr.com/2025/01/30/fireaid-complete-setlist/
All images and links are open public sourced.