Billie Joe Armstrong, from left, Tre Cool, and Mike Dirnt of Green Day perform during the FireAid Benefit concert on Thursday, Jan 30, 2025, at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
The FireAid benefit concert, held last week to support victims of the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires, has raised more than $100 million. The massive fundraising event saw both generous donations and a star-studded lineup, bringing together artists and audiences for a noble cause.
More than 50 million viewers tuned in to the over six-hour concert, broadcast across 28 TV channels and online platforms. The funds came from ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandise purchases, and public donations. Notably, the band U2 contributed $1 million.
The fundraising efforts continued beyond the concert. Just three days later, the Grammy Awards encouraged additional donations. Host Trevor Noah urged viewers to contribute, and a QR code appeared on screens to make the process easier. By Tuesday, nearly $9 million had been raised through this initiative.
Adding to the momentum, the Recording Academy and MusiCares collected over $24 million for charitable activities over Grammy weekend.
FireAid featured performances from some of Southern California’s biggest artists, including Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. More than 30 artists performed across two major Los Angeles venues—the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum.
One of the biggest boosts to the fundraiser came from L.A. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie. They pledged to match every dollar raised during the concert, effectively doubling the impact. Their contribution was included in the total amount raised. The Clippers organization also covered event costs, ensuring more funds could go directly to relief efforts.
The money will help with both immediate assistance and long-term recovery for affected communities in the Los Angeles region. Organizers confirm that fundraising efforts are still ongoing, with plans to distribute the first round of grants by mid-February.
