The star-packed FireAid benefit concert took place on Thursday, January 30, simultaneously at Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood, California. The event, which ran for nearly six hours, featured a jaw-dropping lineup of famous music artists coming together to support the Southern Californians whose lives were devastated by the recent wildfires.
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One of the coolest aspects of the concert was that it included several surprise collaborative performances that made for unforgettable musical moments. Here’s a look at four standout onstage collaborations from the show.
Stephen Stills and Graham Nash Reunite, Backed by Dawes
Former Crosby, Stills & Nash bandmates Stephen Stills and Graham Nash had both been announced as FireAid performers, but leading up to the show, it wasn’t known if the two would take the stage together.
The last time the two had performed together was in December 2015, when CSN sang at the National Christmas Tree Lighting event in Washington, D.C.
During the concert at the Kia Forum, Stills was welcomed to the stage by L.A.-area folk-rock band Dawes. He teamed up with Dawes and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell for a rocking version of his Buffalo Springfield classic “For What It’s Worth.”
After that performance, Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith introduced Nash, who affectionately greeted Stills before stepping up to the mic.
“So pleased to be here,” Graham told the crowd. “Particularly with the great band Dawes, and my partner for so many years, Stephen Stills.”
Nash then acknowledged how the large musical community in Los Angeles pulls together in times of trouble.
Graham, Stephen, and Dawes then kicked into a heartfelt version of the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young classic “Teach Your Children.” Near the end of the performance, Nash encouraged the crowd to sing along during the final chorus.
“Take care of yourself,” he said as the sing finished. “Take care of each other.”
The Black Crowes with John Fogerty, and with Slash
The Black Crowes and Creedence Clearwater Revival legend John Fogerty were both part of the announced Kia Forum lineup.
Nash introduced The Black Crowes who kicked into a rendition of their soulful 1992 tune “Remedy.” After the song finished, frontman Chris Robinson then introduced Fogerty and exited the stage.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer was accompanied by his son Shane, who plays in his touring band. Fogerty thanked The Black Crowes for backing him, then told the crowd, “This song has a rainbow in it, and it’s just for you.”
Strumming an acoustic guitar, Fogerty launched into the CCR classic “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.” During the performance, John got the audience to enthusiastically sing the chorus with him.
When the song was done, Fogerty left the stage and Chris Robinson returned. As the singer addressed the audience, Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash walked out on stage, as Chris commented, “He needs no introduction.”
With Slash and Chris’ brother, Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson, sitting down with acoustic guitars next to him, the frontman thanked the first responders.
Chris then announced, “We’re gonna play a little something we thought was appropriate for the evening.”
The trio then delivered an inspired acoustic rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.”
Green Day with Billie Eilish
Green Day kicked off the FireAid concert at the Kia Forum. The pop-punk band very first song was a version of “Last Night on Earth,” a melodic ballad from the group’s chart-topping 2009 album 21st Century Breakdown.
Halfway through the song, Billie Eilish joined Green Day, turning the tune into an emotional duet with Billie Joe Armstrong.
During a red-carpet interview with CBS before the concert, Armstrong explained that Green Day was asked specifically to perform “Last Night on Earth.”
“It was a love song a wrote 15 years ago,” Billie Joe noted. “And lyrically, it really kind of transcends … It’s a ballad, so all of a sudden it makes sense in a whole different way. I mean, that’s the power of music in a way. … [I]t keeps evolving and having new meaning. [And] hopefully we can lift the spirits of some people.”
Eilish later made her way over to the Intuit Dome, where she played her own brief set wither brother, Finneas.
Stevie Wonder with Sting and Flea
Stevie Wonder was one of the evening’s final performers, hitting the stage at the Intuit Dome after midnight local time. Wonder kicked off his set with his 1976 ballad “Love’s in Need of Love Today,” which he said had a message that was “still so relevant.”
Stevie then launched into a rendition of his funky 1972 chart-topper “Superstition.” During the first chorus, Wonder was joined by Sting, who had played his own set earlier in the show.
Wonder then segued into another of his 1970s classics, “Higher Ground,” as Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea ran onstage and strapped on a bass. Stevie and Sting traded off vocals, while Flea played blistering bass lines.
It’s worth noting that the Chili Peppers, who had played their own set earlier in the show, recorded a popular cover of “Higher Ground” back in 1989.
For more information about FireAid Benefit Concert, or to make a donation to the cause, visit FireAidLA.org.
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