Image: Metallica [Official Press Photo]
The wildfires have ravaged large parts of Los Angeles, California, claiming 27 lives and leaving countless more displaced. In response, a host of artists and bands have stepped up to provide crucial assistance. Here’s a breakdown of the various relief efforts.
Metallica: Donation to Local Foundations
Through their foundation All Within My Hands, Metallica have donated to two California-based organizations: the California Community Foundation (CCF) and the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF). The band explained their choice of these organizations puclicly:
"The California Community Foundation (CCF) has a long history of ensuring resources reach those most in need. It leverages partnerships with community-based organizations and government agencies while using data from CalFire and the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index to prioritize underserved communities. For the LA County wildfires, CCF has activated its Wildfire Recovery Fund to complement immediate relief and address the long-term recovery needs of neighborhoods."
"The fund's disaster and recovery efforts support an array of critical recovery services, including housing, case management, mental health, and medical care for displaced residents. It also aids in rebuilding essential infrastructure like emergency communication systems and offers financial disaster assistance, labor law education, and immigration services to low-wage workers and immigrant families. AWMH is donating $250,000 to the California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund."
"The Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) has established the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund. A smaller agency, PCF is entrenched within the community, poised to leverage connections with civic and nonprofit leaders to ensure its aid reaches those who need it most. The fund will support immediate needs during relief efforts as the fires continue to spread. It will also support critical long-term recovery efforts after the fires are extinguished and the community embarks upon the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding what has been demolished. AWMH is donating $250,000 to the Pasadena Community Foundation's Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund."
Support here: Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation.
FireAid Benefit Concerts
Additional funds will be raised through two FireAid benefit concerts scheduled for January 30. These events aim to support both immediate relief efforts and long-term initiatives to prevent future wildfires.
The concerts feature an impressive lineup, including Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, P!nk, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Billie Eilish & Finneas.
The shows will take place at two venues, the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum, both located in Inglewood, California. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, January 22, via Ticketmaster.
You can also donate directly to FireAid through their official website.
Spiritbox: Auction by Mike Stringer
Spiritbox guitarist Mike Stringer is holding an auction featuring items like two of his guitars, used on tour and in the studio.
For $20, fans can purchase a raffle ticket, with all proceeds going to the Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles. Mike shared his thoughts on the initiative:
"Southern California has faced devastating wildfires over the past week and a half, and I want to not only donate, but try to raise as much as possible to help. Watching the destruction and its impact has been heartbreaking. It has directly affected our own Josh Gilbert, who lost his home in the Eaton Fire."
You can support Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles here.
Bandcamp: Donation to MusiCares
Music platform Bandcamp has also pledged its support through a donation. On February 7, Bandcamp will donate 100% of its revenue share to the MusiCares Foundation. You can help on the specified date by supporting artists on Bandcamp or alternatively through the MusiCares website.
"Like all of you, we have been watching in horror at the devastation wrought by the wildfires in California, with thousands of people - including many in our community of labels and artists - losing their homes and finding their livelihoods jeopardized."
"That's why on Friday, February 7th, from midnight to midnight PST, Bandcamp will donate 100% of our revenue share to MusiCares to support those affected by the recent Southern California wildfires. MusiCares helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world. Offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. We hope you'll join us in spreading the word to your fans to help us raise as much as possible for impacted communities."
