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FireAid: Stars take to stage for LA benefit concert Katy Perry and Billie Eilish play LA FireAid show
(about 5 hours later)
Olivia Rodrigo is among the artists taking part in the show No Doubt (singer Gwen Stefani pictured) performed hits such as Just A Girl and Don't Speak
A star-studded line-up is taking over two venues in Los Angeles for a benefit concert to help the area recover from two of the largest fires in its history. Stars including Billie Eilish, Pink, Katy Perry, Nirvana and Dr Dre performed at FireAid on Thursday, a benefit concert in Los Angeles to help the area recover from two of the largest fires in its history.
More than 20 artists from various genres are on the line-up for the FireAid benefit show, which is happening simultaneously at two large venues in the city. More than 20 artists from various genres took to the stage for the five-hour show, which is happening simultaneously at two large venues in the city and raising money for wildfire relief efforts.
Among those set to preform are Sting, P!nk, Lil Baby, Rod Stewart, Lady Gaga and Earth Wind & Fire. The lineup also includes multiple acts who were born in the LA area, including Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and No Doubt. Actor Billy Crystal welcomed the crowd at the Kia forum, wearing clothes he had on when he escaped 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.
Actor Billy Crystal opened the show wearing the clothes he had on when he fled the fires
He had lived in the area for 46 years and spoke poignantly about losing his home.
Shortly after the show began at the Kia Forum, a second concert also kicked off at the Intuit Dome, with the online stream switching between the two venues. Many of the artists who performed are from or based in Los Angeles.
California native Katy Perry waved the state's flag as she performed hits such as Roar
California native Katy Perry waved the state's flag as she performed hits such as California Gurls.
Other stars taking to the stage included No Doubt, from Orange County, and Dr Dre, who performed his anthem California Love.
"This is a magical moment for me. I've got so much love, you guys... I appreciate all the first responders and all the firemen who put their lives on the line. It's all about love for me today," the rapper said.
Eilish duetted with rock band Green Day, whose frontman Billie Joe Armstrong told the crowd: "California, Los Angeles, Altadena, the Palisades - we are in this together."
Billie Eilish performed with Green Day at the Kia Forum show
Pink was among the other stars taking to the stage
The remaining members of 90s rock band Nirvana, Dave Grohl, Pat Smear and Krist Novoselic also reunited with a series of guest female vocalists such as St Vincent and Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon.
Other stars appearing at the two shows include Olivia Rodrigo, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Joni Mitchell, Lady Gaga, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rod Stewart, Sting, Stevie Nicks and Tate McRae.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris was one of the famous faces spotted in the crowd at the Intuit Dome.
Joni Mitchell sat on a golden throne as she performed
Dr. Dre was joined by Anderson .Paak and performed hits including California Love
Proceeds from the concert and donations during the show will go toward rebuilding communities and preventing future fires in the region.Proceeds from the concert and donations during the show will go toward rebuilding communities and preventing future fires in the region.
At least 28 people died and more than 16,000 homes and businesses were destroyed in the fast-spreading, destructive fires that broke out in early January.At least 28 people died and more than 16,000 homes and businesses were destroyed in the fast-spreading, destructive fires that broke out in early January.
Who is performing at FireAid?
The shows are taking place at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, two large arenas about a mile apart, on Thursday evening. The shows will start about an hour and half apart and reportedly include two to four songs from each artist.
At Intuit Dome, those preforming include: Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Tate McRae and Earth, Wind & Fire.
At the Kia Forum, those preforming include: Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak, Dawes, Graham Nash, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, Pink, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks, the Black Crowes, and John Mayer.
Dave Matthews was also supposed to perform at the second show, but pulled out on Wednesday night, due to a "critical illness in the family".
Organisers say performances will be staggered, and shown on large screens at both arenas so there's no down time between acts.
The shows are also expected to feature special guests and have an emphasis on those who have been impacted by the fires and the first responders who helped douse the infernos.
Can I watch the show at home?
Yes. Organisers say it will be streamed for free on platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Facebook, Instagram, Max, Netflix, Tudum, DirectTV, Paramount+, Peacock, NBC News Now, YouTube and KTLA.
The concert will also be shown in select AMC and Regal theatres across the US.
The music kicks off at 18:00 in LA (21:00 in New York, 02:00 Friday in the UK).
How can you help LA fire victims?How can you help LA fire victims?
Viewers will be able to donate money to relief efforts during the show, either by text message or by visiting FireAidLA.org, external.Viewers will be able to donate money to relief efforts during the show, either by text message or by visiting FireAidLA.org, external.
Donations will be overseen by the Annenberg Foundation, focusing on both short-term relief efforts and long-term fire prevention projects.Donations will be overseen by the Annenberg Foundation, focusing on both short-term relief efforts and long-term fire prevention projects.
Additionally, Connie and Steve Ballmer - who own the LA Clippers basketball team, as well as the Intuit Dome and Forum - will match all donations made during the broadcast.Additionally, Connie and Steve Ballmer - who own the LA Clippers basketball team, as well as the Intuit Dome and Forum - will match all donations made during the broadcast.
The Palisades and Eaton fires became the largest fires ever seen in the LA area earlier this month. Both erupted on 7 January as the region saw a strong wind event, making the small blazes in brushy, mountainous areas hard to contain.The Palisades and Eaton fires became the largest fires ever seen in the LA area earlier this month. Both erupted on 7 January as the region saw a strong wind event, making the small blazes in brushy, mountainous areas hard to contain.
Embers travelled miles, igniting whole communities and levelling neighbourhoods.Embers travelled miles, igniting whole communities and levelling neighbourhoods.
Nearly 7,000 structures were levelled in the Palisades fire in northwest LA. Another 9,400 were destroyed in the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County. The fires also claimed a number of victims.Nearly 7,000 structures were levelled in the Palisades fire in northwest LA. Another 9,400 were destroyed in the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County. The fires also claimed a number of victims.