In Southern California, there have been a tremendous amount of wildfires due to rising temperatures and droughts all over the state. According to Forbes, 29 people have died and more than 16,000 homes have been destroyed.
FireAid held a concert in Los Angeles, California on January 30th, 2025, to raise money for victims of the fires, and all proceeds went to relief efforts and rebuilding the communities that were destroyed by the fires.
It took place at two venues, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and the Kia Forum.
More than 30 artists such as Billie Eilish, Finneas, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Earth, Wind and Fire, Gracie Abrams, Green Day, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga, The Red Chili Hot Chili Peppers, Dr. Dre, and more were present.
“I think it was good. I think it shows that a lot of the artists are human and they care about communities that are struggling, and also that they’re willing to do something for their own community because a lot of their houses and places near where they live were harmed in the fires,” NHS sophomore Lahja Kurjiaka said.
According to TheWrap, $100 million was raised during the concert. Money came from ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and donations. Over 50 million viewers streamed the concert on 25 different broadcasting channels. Before the show began, FireAid had raised $60 million from the ticket sales.
The organizer’s of the concert say that they expect to make their first grants in mid-February. The Los Angeles area will need this sum of money for long term recovery, the immediate needs of the California citizens, and California itself.
“I’m really glad to see such big names come out to perform. The bigger the names like Lady Gaga, Nirvana, and Billie Eilish the more people come and more money they raise,” Indiana University sophomore Addison Bandstra said.
The Bangladesh benefit concert on August 1, 1971 raised $12 million for the refugees and the murders happening during the Bangladesh Liberation War. The FireAid concert in California raised $88 million more.
“Aaron Dessner and I were so honored to be in the same room as all of you last night for FireAid in support of the heroic first responders, all the generous volunteers across LA county, and every single family impacted by these horrific fires,” American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams said in an Instagram Post.
Over 16,000 first responders helped in the fires, and artists collaborated with FireAid to help those in need.
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