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Numerous Stars Perform at LA FireAid Show for Wildfire Relief

Stars like Billie Eilish, Pink, Katy Perry, Nirvana, and Dr. Dre performed at FireAid on Thursday, a benefit concert in Los Angeles aimed at supporting the area to recover from two of the largest wildfires in its history.

More than 20 artists from different genres performed during the five-hour show. The event took place at two large venues in the city simultaneously, raising funds for wildfire relief efforts.

Actor Billy Crystal welcomed the audience at the Kia Forum. He wore the same clothes he had on when he fled the Pacific Palisades fire earlier this month.

“You’ll be hearing from a number of people who were tragically affected by these fires, and I was one of them,” Crystal said as he opened the show. Having lived in the area for 46 years, he shared a heartfelt reflection on losing his home.

He lightened the mood with humor, joking that he looked like someone who had just robbed a convenience store. He emphasized the importance of finding laughter even in difficult times.

As the concert began at the Kia Forum, a second show also kicked off at the Intuit Dome. The online stream switched between both venues, featuring performances from many artists with roots in Los Angeles.

California native Katy Perry waved the state’s flag while performing hits like “California Gurls.”

No Doubt, hailing from Orange County, also took the stage. Dr. Dre followed with his iconic anthem “California Love,” a song he originally performed with the late 2Pac.

“This is a magical moment for me. I’ve got so much love, you guys,” Dre told the audience. “I appreciate all the first responders and firemen who put their lives on the line. It’s all about love for me today.”

Eilish teamed up with Green Day for a performance of “Last Night on Earth.” The band’s frontman, Billie Joe Armstrong, addressed the crowd: “We’re still alive, this is California, and we’re all in this together.”

“From the bottom of our hearts, we love you Los Angeles, and we got your back no matter what.”

Later in the night, Eilish returned to the stage with her brother Finneas to perform her own songs, including “Wildflower” and “Birds of a Feather.”

Elsewhere, Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks dedicated her performance of “Landslide” to the firefighters who saved her home—and likely her entire neighborhood.

“I was a full-on Pacific Palisadean woman with an old, beautiful, famous house that was almost taken from me as the fire came up the hill behind my house,” Nicks recalled.

“And I was pretty sure, as they whisked me away and evacuated me – my least favorite word now – to another safe place, that when I turned around and looked my house would be up in flames.”

But her house remained standing. “She stands strong, just like [me],” Nicks said. “And in my opinion, she saved that whole street.”

Actor Samuel L. Jackson also made an appearance, honoring the first responders as he introduced a firefighter who had lost his home in the blaze.

He then welcomed the next performer, Rod Stewart, who closed the night with “Forever Young” and “Maggie May.”

Alanis Morissette took the stage in an “I Love LA” T-shirt, performing her hit “Thank U.” The song carried a message of gratitude toward firefighters and other essential workers.

The remaining members of ’90s rock band Nirvana—Dave Grohl, Pat Smear, and Krist Novoselic—reunited for the event. They were joined by guest vocalists, including St. Vincent and Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon.

Other stars who appeared across the two venues included Olivia Rodrigo, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Sting, and Tate McRae.

Lady Gaga closed the night with a powerful rendition of “Shallow,” her hit song from the 2018 film “A Star Is Born.”

Viewers were encouraged to donate online during the show. Early in the evening, Billy Crystal announced that U2 had contributed $1 million (£804,829).

Funds raised from the concert and donations will go toward rebuilding communities and preventing future wildfires in the region.

The fires, which broke out in early January, claimed at least 29 lives and destroyed more than 16,000 homes and businesses.