FireAid Benefit Concerts Estimated to Have Raised $100 Million for Los Angeles

On January 30, the FireAid benefit concerts held in Los Angeles, showcasing performances by artists such as Billie Eilish, Green Day, and Stevie Nicks among many others, are estimated to have amassed over $100 million for the city’s recovery efforts. This was announced on Tuesday by organizers of the event.

A substantial amount of funds raised will be utilized to address urgent issues in the Los Angeles area and assist with the long-term rebuilding following the destructive wildfires that affected the city, taking at least 29 lives, leveling thousands of homes, and damaging more than 57,000 acres. Over 30 artists performed at both the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum during a significant event that was watched by over 50 million viewers. The income generated from FireAid, which was streamed on 28 platforms, came from ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and public donations, including private contributions.

On January 30 at the Kia Forum, Billy Crystal appeared on stage, dressed in the same attire he wore when he escaped the Palisades fire which destroyed his house. He declared that all donations made that night would be doubled by L.A. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie Snyder. Notably, Billy Crystal also shared that U2 had recently contributed a generous $1 million.

The energy-filled concerts featured a diverse lineup, oscillating between contemporary musicians such as Anderson .Paak, who invited the legendary Dr. Dre on stage, and iconic Los Angeles artists like Joni Mitchell, who at 81 years old, enchanted the packed audience with an uncommon performance. There were also poignant moments when survivors of the fires spoke from the stage about their experiences during the event. Actor Samuel L. Jackson began the show at the Intuit Dome and paid tribute to the heroes who fought to control the disastrous blazes that set new records as the worst in Los Angeles’ history.

There are numerous emergency responders present right now. Let’s show them our appreciation with a big round of cheers!” Jackson announced, prompting the audience to cheer enthusiastically.

Funds raised from the concerts in support of FireAid will be channeled to the Annenberg Foundation based in Los Angeles for distribution. FireAid was an initiative jointly developed by Hollywood power couple Irving Azoff, his wife Shelli Azoff, and their family, along with Live Nation, the LA Clippers, and was produced by Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet and Rick Krim.

The money collected from concerts for FireAid will be given to the Annenberg Foundation in L.A., who will handle the distribution. FireAid was a project started by Irving Azoff, his wife Shelli Azoff, their family, Live Nation, and the LA Clippers, produced by Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet and Rick Krim.


Those still interested in donating to FireAid can do so at FireAidLA.org.

Read More

2025-02-04 22:24