Half of the estimated $100 million (€96m) raised from last month’s FireAid benefit concerts in Los Angeles has been distributed for immediate relief.

Selected community-based organisations on the front lines of wildfire relief have each received $100,000 or more in the initial phase of gifting. The full list of recipients can be found here.

At least 29 people were killed as a result of the January 2025 blazes, which destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in Southern California.

“The selected organisations have the infrastructure, experience, and relationships necessary to efficiently and equitably deliver assistance to fire-impacted individuals and have each received $100,000 or more,” says a FireAid statement. “The need for immediate relief funding remains dire and these funds will serve to assist with that goal.

“Grants have been allocated to support a myriad of fire affected individuals including displaced residents, workers, small business owners and first responders, with a focus on essential services, food assistance, childcare support, critical healthcare resources, housing support, rental relief, student assistance programmes, and navigation services to ensure victims can access legal resources, government benefits and seamlessly work through challenging paperwork.”

Produced by the Azoff family in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents, FireAid featured performances from more than 30 artists at two LA venues – Intuit Dome (cap. 18,000) and Kia Forum (17,500) on 30 January – and were watched by more than 50 million viewers across 28 streaming platforms.

“FireAid has also established a programme for the issuance of smaller grants available to community-based organisations, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000”

Acts included Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, P!nk, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Stevie Nicks, as well as the surviving members of Nirvana.

The estimated $100m raised includes ticket sales for both venues, sponsorships led by presenting partners Kaiser Permanente and Scopely, merchandise sales, and donations from the public including private gifts from the Azoff family, the Eagles, Andrew Hauptman and Ellen Bronfman Hauptman and U2. Intuit Dome owner Steve Ballmer and Connie Ballmer continue to match all pledges received from broadcast.

The Inuit Dome is the home venue of NBA franchise LA Clippers, who served as operating partner for the event and underwrote all production expenses.

The first phase of funds will be fully distributed by the end of February, with phase two funding then set to focus on additional relief needs including sustaining long-term recovery, remediation and rebuilding, and further address environmental issues.

“Survivors of prior megafires and experts with whom FireAid consulted emphasised how crucial it is to reserve funds for unanticipated needs raised by communities, and to be both responsive and flexible, in planning for all phases of recovery,” adds the statement.

A non-profit organisation, FireAid has also established a programme for the issuance of smaller grants available to community-based groups, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

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The FireAid benefit concerts are expected to have raised more than US$100 million (€96m) for the Los Angeles wildfire relief effort, according to organisers.

Produced by the Azoff family in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents, last Thursday night’s (30 January) near six-hour event was organised at just two weeks’ notice in the wake of one of the largest natural disasters in US history.

The shows featured performances from more than 30 artists at two LA venues – Intuit Dome (cap. 18,000) and Kia Forum (17,500) – and were watched by more than 50 million viewers across 28 streaming platforms.

Acts included Billie Eilish, Gracie Abrams, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, P!nk, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Stevie Nicks, as well as the surviving members of Nirvana.

The estimated amount raised includes ticket sales for both venues, sponsorships, merchandise sales and donations from the public

The estimated amount raised includes ticket sales for both venues, sponsorships, merchandise sales and donations from the public including private gifts from the Azoff family, the Eagles, Andrew Hauptman and Ellen Bronfman Hauptman and U2.

Intuit Dome owner Steve Ballmer also pledged to match every donation received during the broadcast and VOD viewing. The fundraiser was broadcast and streamed live on Apple Music and the Apple TV app, Max, iHeartRadio, KTLA+, Netflix/Tudom, Paramount+, Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, SiriusXM, Spotify, SoundCloud, Veeps, and YouTube, and at select AMC Theatre locations in 70 US markets.

At least 29 people have been killed as a result of the January 2025 blazes, which have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.

The FireAid Grants Advisory Committee, led by the Annenberg Foundation, have been working to identify key areas of need for maximum impact, with the first phase of grants expected to be awarded by mid-February.

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A surprise Nirvana reunion and performances by an array of other A-listers put the seal on last night’s epic, star-studded FireAid charity gigs in Los Angeles.

Produced by the Azoff family in conjunction with Live Nation and AEG Presents, the near six-hour event was organised at just two weeks’ notice to raise funds for the LA wildfire relief effort, in the wake of one of the largest natural disasters in US history.

At least 29 people have been killed as a result of the January 2025 blazes, which have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.

Speaking before the two-venue benefit, FireAid co-organiser Irving Azoff said he hoped the concerts – held at the city’s Intuit Dome (cap. 18,000) and Kia Forum (17,500) – would raise upwards of $50 million to rebuild communities devastated by the wildfires and supporting efforts to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.

The event started at 6pm PST at the Kia Forum and 7.30pm at the Intuit Dome.

Actor Billy Crystal, who lost his Pacific Palisades home in the fires, opened the show by explaining that Intuit Dome owner Steve Ballmer would match every donation received, including the $1 million pledged by the night’s first donors, U2.

Billie Eilish, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Sting and Tate McRae performed at Intuit Dome, while Alanis Morissette, Anderson. Paak, Dave Matthews and John Mayer, Dawes, Graham Nash, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, P!nk, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks and The Black Crowes appeared at the Kia Forum.

Nirvana surviving members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear reunited, fronted by a lineup of female guest vocalists

One of the evening’s most talked-about moments saw Nirvana surviving members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear reunite, fronted by a lineup of female guest vocalists – St. Vincent, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett and Grohl’s daughter Violet –who sang the band’s Breed, School, Territorial Pissings and All Apologies, respectively.

Another highlight included Eilish duetting on stage with Green Day, while Joni Mitchell delivered a rare performance, singing Both Sides Now while sat on a gold throne.

“Mitchell’s observation that ‘something’s lost but something’s gained in living every day’ was met with a huge cheer,” wrote the Telegraph‘s James Hall. “It felt like a dose of regal perspective from one of the all-time greats. The song was recorded in LA. And this is where this concert was most effective. The host of songs recorded in, or written about, LA reminded us about the place’s musical pedigree and what could all too easily be lost.”

The fundraiser was broadcast and streamed live on Apple Music and the Apple TV app, Max, iHeartRadio, KTLA+, Netflix/Tudom, Paramount+, Prime Video and the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch, SiriusXM, Spotify, SoundCloud, Veeps, and YouTube, and at select AMC Theatre locations in 70 US markets.

“When widespread devastation creates uncertainty and suffering, maybe the sound of massive stars delivering deeply beloved songs can provide comfort and consolation,” said Chris Richards of the Washington Post. “The livestream didn’t resemble a telethon so much as a transmission from the tower of song in which lyrics chiseled in stone suddenly felt like they were freshly inked for this occasion.”

Lady Gaga, meanwhile, closed the event by debuting a new track, All I Need is Time, written especially for the occasion with her fiance Michael Polansky.

“By the end of the night, it was lost how much money was raised; gone are the Jerry Lewis telethon days when a ticker showed the numbers climbing higher and higher,” concluded the Guardian‘s Rob LeDonne. “Perhaps the number was so big it could have discouraged additional donations. Regardless of the figure, FireAid proved the power of music and how a just cause can bring together polar opposites. If anything, here’s hoping it’s a harbinger for the future.”

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In the wake of Los Angeles’ devastating wildfires, Live Nation and AEG Presents have joined forces with the Azoff family to hold a benefit concert, FireAid.

Set for 30 January at Inglewood’s Intuit Dome (cap. 18,000), the “evening of music and solidarity” will raise money to support rebuilding affected communities and efforts to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California.

Performers and ticket information will be announced in the coming days. Proceeds from the concert will go towards a charity created for this event. The benefit concert will precede the 67th Grammy Awards, set for 2 February at Crypto.com Arena (20,000).

More than 150,000 people have been evacuated as more than 40,000 acres have been burned and 12,000 structures have been destroyed across LA, per NPR. The economic damage could top $50 billion and may rank as one of the most costly natural disasters in US history, according to the Los Angeles Times. At least 24 people have been killed.

The music industry has been hit hard by the ongoing crisis, with countless professionals, technicians, and artists impacted.

A document is circulating with more than 210 individuals and families who have lost their homes, featuring links to financially support them.

“The music community is being so severely impacted but we will come together as an industry to support one another”

In response, the industry is banding together to raise money for those affected.

The Recording Academy and its welfare charity MusiCares have pledged $1 million to support music professionals impacted by the fires through its Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort.

“The entire Grammy family is shocked and deeply saddened by the situation that is unfolding in Los Angeles,” Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, said in a statement. “The music community is being so severely impacted but we will come together as an industry to support one another. Our organizations exist to serve music people … and we hope the broader industry will now rally to this cause.”

MusiCares is offering $1,500 in financial assistance and a $500 grocery card to affected music professionals working in the industry for over three years, intended to cover short-term costs.

“MusiCares disaster relief is intended to cover short-term costs, should you incur costs from evacuating (hotel, food, supplies). MusiCares is also able to provide additional support for individuals with considerable impact, including medical issues, damaged music equipment or longer-term relocation needs,” shares the charity.

Beyoncé is donating $2.5 million toward an LA fire relief fund started by her charity, BeyGOOD.

“The fund is earmarked to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes, and to churches and community centres to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires,” the organisation announced today.

Multiple organisations are offering direct relief for musicians and music industry professionals, including the Black Music Action Coalition, the Entertainment Community Fund, mental health non-profit Backline, the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, the Guitar Center Music Foundation, Warner Music’s Social Justice Fund, The 100 Percenters, and others. Billboard is actively compiling a list of available resources.

“Give to people who really truly need it”

Shelby Schenkman, a creators agent at United Talent Agency, is fundraising through The UTA Foundation to purchase clothes and essential items for affected colleagues and external community members. The effort has raised over US$7,500 to date.

Meanwhile, Charli XCX took to social media to urge brands to “give to people who really truly need it”, while American-Mexican band Fuerza Regida rented out a hotel for six days to provide shelter to those displaced.

Arenas around the city have cleared their music schedules for the month, with sporting programming also facing disruptions.

Last week, LA radio station ALT 98.7 cancelled the iHeartRadio ALTer EGO festival, which was set to return to Inglewood’s Kia Forum (cap. 17,505) last Saturday (11 January). Incubus, The Lumineers, Cage The Elephant, Glass Animals, The Offspring, St. Vincent, Fontaines D.C., The Head and the Heart, and Damiano David were all set to perform.

Kia Forum’s next scheduled concert is set for 1 February with K-pop group aespa.

Following FireAid, Intuit Dome’s next concert is on 22 February with Mexican band Los Tucanes De Tijuana. The arena cancelled a show with rapper Rod Wave last Wednesday (8 January).

A cancellation has not yet been announced for Calibash, the area’s “biggest Latin pop concert of the year,” set for this Saturday (18 January) at Crypto.com Arena. Maluma, Wisin, Xavi, Manuel Turizo, Emilia, and more are set to perform.

No music programming is scheduled for SoFi Stadium (70,000). The NFL announced the playoff game will move to Arizona’s State Farm Stadium (63,400) tonight (13 January).

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A series of events have been cancelled or postponed as Los Angeles grapples with widespread wildfires.

Five major wildfires continue to burn across LA, fuelled by strong winds, becoming “the most destructive ever to hit Los Angeles County,” reports CNN. At least five people have been killed, with more than 100,000 residents ordered to evacuate.

LA radio station ALT 98.7 has cancelled the iHeartRadio ALTer EGO festival, which was set to return to Inglewood’s Kia Forum (cap. 17,505) on Saturday, 11 January.

Incubus, The Lumineers, Cage The Elephant, Glass Animals, The Offspring, St. Vincent, Fontaines D.C., The Head and the Heart, and Damiano David were all set to perform.

“It is with heavy hearts that we report that we will be cancelling our ALTer Ego show this Saturday at the KIA Forum. The devastation from the fires is beyond comprehension. Our thoughts are with the Los Angeles community and listeners who have been affected by this tragedy. We also want to recognize and thank all the first responders. We love our city and are putting health and safety first,” the organisers wrote online.

Inglewood’s newest venue, the 18,000-capacity Intiut Dome, also cancelled a show with rapper Rod Wave last night (Wednesday).

“The health and safety of our fans and employees will remain the top priority,” wrote arena representatives.

“Our hearts are with all the members of our community who are impacted by the fires”

Two major festivals have also postponed ticket sales for their upcoming events. Both Rolling Loud, which recently downsized to 15-16 March at Inglewood’s Hollywood Park (75,000), and electronic dance festival Beyond Wonderland, scheduled for 28-29 March at San Bernardino’s NOS Event Center (65,000), have delayed sales until further notice.

In addition to large-scale shows, theatre-level performances have also been rearranged.

The LA Philharmonic Orchestra has postponed or cancelled all shows through the weekend, pushing pianist Igor Levit and singer-songwriter Cody Fry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall (2,265) performances to a later date. Three orchestral performances featuring works from Schumann & Brahms have been cancelled.

“Our hearts are with all the members of our community who are impacted by the fires, and our immense gratitude goes out to all the firefighters and first responders. Please stay safe,” says the LA Phil in their cancellation.

Other iconic venues like The Hollywood Palladium (4,000), The Fonda Theatre (1,200), and The Roxy Theatre (500) all have programming through the weekend that has not been publicly cancelled, while other spaces like The Hollywood Bowl (17,500), The Greek Theatre (5,900), and the El Rey Theatre (771) have no performances set for the near future.

While SoFi Stadium (70,000) has no music-related events, the NFL announced a playoff game set for next Monday will go on, with a contingency plan to move the matchup to Arizona’s State Farm Stadium (63,400) in place. Crypto.com Arena (20,000) is also rescheduling basketball games.

Thousands of acres and hundreds of homes have been destroyed since the blaze began on Tuesday, which is rapidly growing as a result of “dry, hurricane-force winds”, per Reuters. Fires continue to burn across the Palisades, Hollywood Hills, Pasadena, San Fernando Valley, and the Angeles National Forest.

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The life of late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins is to be celebrated with two huge tribute concerts in the US and UK.

The Texan died aged 50 on 25 March at a hotel in Bogota, Colombia, where the band had been due to headline Festival Estereo Picnic. The cause of his death is still being investigated.

The Foos cancelled their remaining 2022 tour dates in the wake of the tragedy. However, band members Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee have now come together with the Hawkins family to announce The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts.

The “all-star rock and roll shows” will take place on 3 September at the 90,000-cap Wembley Stadium in London and 27 September at the 17,500-cap Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Tickets go on sale on 17 June, with the line-ups for each show to be announced shortly.

“Taylor’s monolithic talent and magnetic personality endeared him to millions of fans, peers, friends and fellow musical legends the world over”

“As one of the most respected and beloved figures in modern music, Taylor’s monolithic talent and magnetic personality endeared him to millions of fans, peers, friends and fellow musical legends the world over,” reads a press release. “Millions mourned his untimely passing on March 25, with passionate and sincere tributes coming from fans as well as musicians Taylor idolised.

“The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts will unite several of those artists, the Hawkins family and of course his Foo Fighters brothers in celebration of Taylor’s memory and his legacy as a global rock icon – his bandmates and his inspirations playing the songs that he fell in love with, and the ones he brought to life.”

Scores of touring execs mourned Hawkins upon his passing including Chris York, director of Foo Fighters’ longtime UK promoter SJM Concerts, who paid tribute to the musician when picking up the Bottle Award for lifetime achievement at the recent Arthur Awards.

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