Author: Ariel Landrum
FireAid: A Concert for a Cause
Last night, Thursday, January 30, 2025, I attended the FireAid benefit concert at the Kia Forum. This was one of two simultaneous concerts, the other at the Intuit Dome. I went with my partner and his two roommates, ready to experience a night of great music and community solidarity. The event was organized to support those affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that began on January 7. The fires, which destroyed over 16,000 structures and claimed 29 lives, left many communities reeling from loss and destruction. The benefit concerts aimed to raise funds for relief efforts and future disaster prevention.
Normally, I would have said no to attending a concert on a weeknight because I had work the next day, but I made a 2025 New Year’s BINGOALS card, and one of the goals was “Favorite Artist Concert.” I decided to go not only because so many artists I love were playing—like Green Day and No Doubt—but also because it was a benefit concert, which meant my money was going to a cause. I knew I wanted to secure seats for the Kia Forum because of the bands attending, but there was no guarantee. When tickets went on sale on January 22nd, my partner had multiple tabs open for each venue. Tickets for the Intuit Dome sold out quickly and were significantly more expensive, resulting in us securing seats at the venue I wanted.
A Unique Concert Format
The concerts were attended by thousands in person and streamed online. Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were present to show their support. Significant donations were announced, including $1 million from U2, and Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, vowed to match the donations dollar for dollar.
The dual-venue setup of FireAid was a logistical marvel that enhanced the communal experience. Each performance showcased diverse talent and was a testament to the unity of the music community in Los Angeles. The seamless transitions between live performances and streamed sets kept the energy high, and the audience engaged throughout the night.
Both venues had giant LED screens that ensured every seat had a great view, whether the artists were live or streamed. The concert’s meticulous planning made the night feel cohesive as if both venues were part of one massive stage rather than separate locations. This innovative format allowed us to “attend” both venues and share collective joy. Additionally, we were given light-up wristbands that glowed to the beats and matched the projections on the stage.
The set transitions were seamless, keeping energy high throughout the night. While one artist performed live at a venue and their performance was streamed onto the giant screens of the other, that venue could see their artist getting ready to go next. This meant that while we saw rapper Lil Baby onstage at the Intuit Dome, we at the Kia Forum could see the Red Hot Chili Peppers preparing to perform. From my seat on the side of the stage, I had a clear view of Flea bouncing excitedly in the wings before their set.
The event wasn’t just about the music—it was about the people. Survivors of the fires shared their heartbreaking and hopeful stories. Billy Crystal introduced the concert and shared his story of loss, noting that all that was left of his home were decorative rocks in the garden, one with the word “Laughter” carved in. There were stories of animal rescue, multiple family homes destroyed, and even a featured story of a firefighter family who lost their home, standing as a reminder that even first responders, along with vicarious trauma, were personally affected by the devastation.
A Lineup of Legends
The lineup at both venues was a stunning mix of artists spanning generations and genres. Legends like Stevie Nicks, John Fogerty, and Graham Nash took the stage at the Kia Forum, while the Intuit Dome hosted performers like Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Stevie Wonder. Reviewing the lineup, I realized this wasn’t just any concert but a rare moment where music, community, and personal goals aligned. The Kia Forum kicked off the event, which meant most of our live performances were earlier in the evening (and also meant I could go home earlier to get some rest before work).
There were many notable moments throughout the evening and many surprise guest experiences. Green Day was the first band to play, and given that my late dad loved them, I was filled with joy to see them live. It brought me closer to him; often, witnessing loss and grief opens up our own loss and grief, and this benefit concert did that for me. Their performance, the first of the evening, was also the first surprise because Billie Eilish joined them on stage to sing Last Night On Earth. Our next surprise was a performance by Dr. Dre and Anderson .Paak. Everyone jumped out of their seats when we heard the iconic intro to California Love. Honestly, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would see Dr. Dre live in concert! We even had the legendary Joni Mitchell, sitting on a fabulous throne, make a rare appearance.
The Intuit Dome was electrified by Earth, Wind, and Fire, which had our venue up and dancing despite only being seen on the big screen. They also had Gracie Abrams, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of Counting Crows’ 1996 hit A Long December, which she described as “a love song to Los Angeles.” Also streaming from the Intuit Dome onto our screens was a rocking cover of Bob Seger‘s 1978 classic Hollywood Nights, performed by Jelly Roll, who, of course, needed to surprise the crowd by teaming up with a California native. In this case, that was the amazing Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker.
On our side, before taking the stage, we could see No Doubt in a group huddle before taking the stage. Dressed in their signature plaid patterns attire, they engaged the entire crowd, exciting the venue. Their energetic set, and we had all on our feet.
The diversity of the artists was reflected in the diversity of the crowds. LA is a multilingual and multicultural city. Throughout the evening, I could hear Spanish, Farsi, and Vietnamese spoken around me. We chatted with an Italian group behind us, and they immediately pointed out that Nirvana’s surviving members were coming on stage. We burst into song with our new concert friends when they started performing with guest vocalists, such as Joan Jett, Kim Gordon, and St. Vincent.
An Unexpectedly Emotional Finale
The night’s surprise for me was how moved I was by the performance from Red Hot Chili Peppers, our final performers of the evening. Their setlist included expected favorites, kicking off with Dani California and Californication. But their final song of the night struck an emotional chord for me.
Hearing Under the Bridge in this space, in this context, gave it a whole new meaning. As art often does, it was reimagined through the modern lens of this shared tragedy. I was a preschooler when Under the Bridge came out, so I didn’t understand its complexity. I just knew I liked the beat. I was a tween when Californication came out and had a naive understanding of its themes. I was barely an adult when Dani California came out. By then, I knew all three of these songs’ lyrics and enjoyed listening and dancing to them. The older I got, the more I understood. Well into my adulthood, I read Anthony Kiedis‘ memoir, Scar Tissue; I learned even more about his struggles and how he wrote the song as an introspective reflection on his loneliness and addiction.
He detailed how he once walked alone through Los Angeles, feeling disconnected from his bandmates and the world around him, looking to score heroin to ease the pain. The song paints a picture of isolation, seeking solace in the city, and the harsh realities of substance abuse. Kiedis’s sense of urban isolation and his complex relationship with Los Angeles resonate with listeners across generations, contributing to the song’s enduring impact and status as one of the band’s most iconic tracks.
Musically, Under the Bridge departed from the band’s typical energetic style, embracing a more melodic and introspective tone. Initially conceived as a poem, producer Rick Rubin recognized its potential and encouraged Kiedis to share it with the band. Guitarist John Frusciante crafted chords that juxtaposed the somber lyrics to create a balance that resonated with the song’s emotional depth. Hearing it performed live in this setting made its quieter, introspective nature all the more striking, a moment of stillness in an otherwise high-energy night.
Lyrics that once symbolized one man’s personal struggle now echoed the collective grief and resilience of a city united by loss and rebuilding. The lines “Sometimes I feel like my only friend is the city I live in, the City of Angels” now spoke to the community that gathered that night, mobilizing to help one another in the wake of devastation. “I don’t ever wanna feel like I did that day. But take me to the place I love, take me all the way.” These words mirrored the survivors’ stories—pain, anguish, loss, and loneliness, but also hope, resilience, and finding home again even after losing everything.
As the final chords echoed, I saw that it wasn’t just me who cried complex tears—around the arena, strangers wiped their eyes, bonded in an unspoken understanding of shared loss and hope, joy, and sorrow. LA is the city I have lived in the longest. My dad was in the Navy, and we moved around a lot—never more than two years in one place while he was on active duty and only seven years spanning high school to college. In fact, I was reminded of a different place I had lived with each of the three songs they played. I visited San Diego often, where my grandmother lives, so California has always been considered home. But here in LA, where I have lived for over 15 years, I have transitioned from transplant to Angeleno.
The Power of Music in Healing
Music has an unparalleled ability to bring people together and provide solace in times of hardship. The FireAid concert was a testament to this power, as artists and attendees united to support those affected by the wildfires. The performances were not just entertainment; they became a means of collective healing, offering comfort and hope to a needy community.
As a therapist certified in Geek Therapy, I often see how fandoms and passions help people process emotions, heal, and make sense of the world. This concert was a testament to that. Art evolves alongside us, creating new meanings in different eras and personal contexts. What was once a song about addiction and isolation became, at that moment, an anthem of unity, survival, and hope for an entire community. Nostalgia met newfound insight, reminding me that healing is not just about remembering—it’s about reinterpreting and moving forward together.
Did you go to FireAid? Have you gained new insights from the music you’ve loved?
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You can also donate to FireAid: https://fireaidla.org/#donateToday