As the Los Angeles area strives to recover from a series of devastating wildfires that began on January 7, 2025, the upcoming benefit concert FireAid is set to raise millions for relief efforts. Scheduled for January 30, the concert will feature performances from notable artists such as Billie Eilish, Jelly Roll, Peso Pluma, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Joni Mitchell, Sting, and Anderson .Paak across two venues: the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum.
The initiative, which developed rapidly, reflects the efforts of Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet and key figures like Gillian Zucker, executive of the Los Angeles Clippers, alongside producers Irving and Shelli Azoff. They shared insights about organizing a large-scale benefit concert after the fires, emphasizing the urgency felt in the wake of the disaster.
The idea for FireAid was conceived swiftly, with the Azoff family reaching out to potential artists within days of the fires starting. Within 48 hours, several music artists showed positive interest, prompting Zucker to offer the Clippers’ home arena, the Intuit Dome, for the event. As the scale of participation grew, the neighboring Kia Forum was also used to accommodate rehearsals and performances, allowing for an elaborate setup to cater to a large audience.
The lineup boasts an impressive roster of talent. Performers at the Intuit Dome will include Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams, and Katy Perry, while the Kia Forum will host artists such as Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak, and Green Day. Each artist is scheduled to perform two to four songs, providing them the opportunity to address the audience from the stage, creating a personal touch to the performances.
FireAid will run for over five hours, with a staggered performance schedule to ensure viewers at both venues can enjoy all acts. The Kia Forum will kick off the show at 6 p.m. Pacific, and those attending the Intuit Dome will be able to watch performances on live screens before seeing a mix of live and broadcasted acts throughout the event. The concert aims to deliver a non-stop entertainment experience without intermissions for stage changes, according to Gallen.
In addition to the musical performances, the event will feature speeches from individuals who lost their homes, as well as corporate sponsors and first responders, including firefighters. There are plans for at least 2,000 seats to be allocated to first responders and fire victims as special attendees. The speakers are intended to highlight the impact of the wildfires and the importance of community support in recovery efforts.
For those unable to attend the concert, donations can be made at FireAidLA.org before and during the live broadcast. All proceeds from the concert will directly support rebuilding efforts, with Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, promising to match all donations made during the event, effectively doubling the contributions collected.
A 501(c)(3) organization has been established to facilitate the distribution of funds through the Annenberg Foundation, which is collaborating with FireAid to identify effective nonprofit organizations involved in the recovery efforts. The Azoff team is dedicated to ensuring that the contributions go directly to the individuals and communities most affected by the fires.
As of the latest updates, initial community and corporate support has already surpassed $50 million, reflecting a significant outpouring of goodwill and solidarity in the wake of the wildfires.
