Fires in Los Angeles: Stars sing for fire sacrifices: benefit concert in California

A huge star contingent for a good cause: The rock band Green Day and pop star Billie Eilish have opened the charity concert Fireaid for those affected by the devastating fires in Southern California. “From the bottom of my heart, we love you Los Angeles,” said Green-Day front man Billie Joe Armstrong of the crowd. The band heated up with the classic “Last Night on Earth”.

With more than two dozen music greats in two large arenas in Inglewood, south of Los Angeles, millions of donations should be collected on Friday night.

At the beginning of the show of several hours, the 81-year-old songikone Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morissette, Dr. Dre, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Pink and Rod Stewart. After 50 years in Los Angeles, the city was in his heart and in his soul, born in Stewart (80)-and delighted with his 80s hit “Forever Young”.

Touching words of those affected

Hollywood comedian Billy Crystal was also on stage as an affected person. The 76-year-old actor and his wife Janice had to flee from the flames of the “Palisades” fire. Her house, in which they have lived since 1979, burned down. He would wear the same things with which he had to leave the house quickly, said Crystal.

Families who have lost everything, firefighters and other helpers stepped onto the stage or were switched on by video. With stories, they touched their escape from the flames, neighborhood aids and their determination to rebuild Los Angeles.

All income should be donated

The total income of ticket sales and the donations are intended to receive the fire victims and the reconstruction of the destroyed areas. Billy Crystal announced a large donation of the band U2 of $ 1 million on stage right from the start. The show was broadcast live by streaming providers with donations.

Stevie Nicks had to flee from the fire

Old rocker Stevie Nicks (76) told about her evacuation from the burning Pacific Palisades. Thanks to the use of brave firefighters, their old wooden house survived the fires unscathed. Therefore, she now wanted to dedicate her Fleetwood Mac song “Landslide” to these forces, said Nicks.

Katy Perry delighted the audience with her old hits “Roar” and “California Gurls”. She was enthusiastic about how quickly this auxiliary campaign came about, said the California -born.

US singer Pinkt had a strong appearance with the song “Me and Bobby McGee”, rapper Jelly Roll got Travis Barker on stage, for a cover of the song “Hollywood Nights” by Bob Seger.

Former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl performed with his former colleagues Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear, the Red Hot Chili Peppers rocked with songs like “Dani California”. Stevie Wonder, Sting, Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish with their brother Finneas were celebrated.

Finale with Lady Gaga’s new song

Lady Gaga delivered the crowning final, well after midnight: In addition to her Oscar-winning song “Shallow” and “Always Remember Us This Way” from the music drama “A Star Is Born”, a new, lively song. This was a terrible, scary time, said the pop star about the devastating fire. But they also brought people together and showed everyone how much you need each other.

That evening she wanted to present “something hopeful”. Together with her fiance, Michael Polansky, she wrote a new song about the healing power of time, said Lady Gaga. She believes that many things are now needed, including time to heal.

According to estimates, more than 16,000 buildings, which broke out on January 7, were destroyed and an area of ​​more than 150 square kilometers was devastated. The number of confirmed deaths is 29. After a week -long large -scale deployment of the fire brigade, the devastating fires – the “Palisades” fire on the western edge of Los Angeles and the “Eaton” fire near Pasadena and Altadena – are now practically contained.