As Southern California aimed to rebuild following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Intuit Dome and Kia Forum contributed and raised concern by hosting the biggest names in music at the FireAid benefit concert on Jan. 30.
Hosted by the Azoff family in collaboration with Live Nation and AEG Presents, more than 20 performers took the FireAid concert stages for “an evening of music and solidarity,” according to a FireAid press release.
The star-studded lineup consisted of 27 musical acts split between the two Los Angeles venues, guaranteeing a good time for music lovers in attendance. Among the illustrious list of names were Anderson .Paak, Billie Eilish, Green Day, Joni Mitchell, Lady Gaga, No Doubt, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Nicks and many more.
In a press release, FireAid announced its partnership with the Annenberg Foundation and its plan to utilize funds from the concert and direct donations “for short-term relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.”
While the FireAid benefit concert was dedicated to helping victims of the Los Angeles wildfires, some California residents raised concerns about the event. Among those concerns were not limiting ticket sales to California residents and holding a concert at all during a sensitive time.
On one hand, tourism might bring Los Angeles more money, contributing to the city’s relief efforts. On the other hand, concertgoers from out of town reserved lodging options in the Los Angeles area, taking away from currently displaced residents.
Jasmine Burks, junior business administration major, shared her thoughts on the benefit concert as someone with family directly affected by the Palisades fire.
“I have mixed feelings. Obviously, they probably lived in the surrounding areas, so they were directly affected and I get that, but why have a concert?” Burks said. “I feel like that’s taking up resources when they could just encourage people to donate instead of a concert.”
Understanding the devastation experienced by countless Angelenos, Burks further explained her position and posed a question.
“If I really wanted to donate, I would donate directly instead of going to a concert,” Burks said. “I understand they’re your favorite artist, but are you really going for the right reason—to help people?”
Despite apprehension from some California residents, the end goal remained the same even for those in attendance, and many hoped to provide relief to those affected by the devastation, whether through donations, volunteer work or simply showing support for the community.
Destiny Jara, junior business administration and marketing double major, reflected on her experience helping impacted families through community service at Fearless Church in Los Angeles.
“It was just crazy to see the need in that part of LA,” Jara said. “There were a lot of people coming in and out, but it’s just really nice to see everyone work together and try the best that they could to just help in this time.”
For people unable to support the cause by attending the concert, it was available to broadcast on various streaming platforms, and direct donations continued to be accepted on FireAid’s website.
