Billie Eilish and Green Day launched the FireAid benefit concert in Los Angeles on Thursday evening – a two-venue, five-hour event aimed at raising funds for wildfire relief efforts.
Actor Billy Crystal greeted the audience at the Kia Forum, dressed in the outfit he was wearing when he fled the Pacific Palisades fire earlier this month. Having resided in the area for 46 years, he spoke movingly about the loss of his home.
An hour and a half later, performances commenced at the Intuit Dome as well, with the online stream transitioning smoothly between both locations.
Several of the stars who took the stage are connected to the area. California’s own Katy Perry proudly displayed the state’s flag while performing popular songs like the anthem Roar and California Gurls.
No Doubt – hailing from nearby Orange County – played songs like I’m Just A Girl and Don’t Speak.
A major surprise was a reunion for another 90s group: Nirvana. Band members Pat Smear, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters collaborated with several guest female singers.
Their performance began with St Vincent leading, followed by Kim Gordon from Sonic Youth, Joan Jett, and Grohl’s daughter Violet taking the stage with them.
Dr. Dre also made a surprise appearance with Anderson .Paak and Sheila E, performing Still DRE and the iconic California Love.
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Among those who have also performed are Joni Mitchell, Pink, Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Behind the artists, visuals of firefighters and the destruction caused by the blazes were displayed on the screen. Survivors shared experiences of losing their homes and fleeing the flames during breaks.
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris and her spouse, Doug Emhoff, were among the attendees at the Intuit Dome concert.
Mr. Emhoff posted a photo with his wife in their seats on Instagram, including the caption: “Kamala and I feel thankful to be at the FireAid concert this evening in our home city of Los Angeles.”
“It is an extraordinary night that highlights the strength and perseverance of our city as we start to heal and reconstruct following the destructive wildfires.”
Viewers at home have the option to donate via the internet. At the start of the concert, Crystal disclosed that the band U2 donated $1m (£804,829).
Steve Ballmer, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, along with his wife Connie, will match every donation made during the concert.
All funds raised will be directed to individuals impacted by the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles that occurred earlier this month.
Around 29 individuals lost their lives in the fires, while thousands of additional homes and businesses were ruined.
