Hollywood Palladium Los Angeles, CA
Contact: meghanh@grandstandhq.com
Web: instagram.com/gaflosangeles
Players: Courtney Barnett, Hayley Williams, Muna, Reggie Watts, Phantom Planet
The Hollywood Palladium hosted the G*ve A F*ck LA wildfire benefit concert, uniting a diverse lineup of artists to support victims of the recent California wildfires. The event featured performances by Hayley Williams, St. Vincent, Finneas, Lucy Dacus, Muna, Perfume Genius, The Linda Lindas, Phantom Planet, Courtney Barnett, Christopher Owens, Reggie Watts, Fred Armisen, Jenny Lewis, Juliette Lewis, and Scout Willis. Hosted by John C. Reilly, the evening was a testament to the music community's solidarity and resilience. Reilly, at multiple points throughout the night as emcee, became choked up when speaking openly, eventually revealing that he, too, has suffered loss amid the displacement and wildfires of the Pacific Palisades.
Paramore‘s Hayley Williams and Muna‘s Katie Gavin joined Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis and Pierre de Reeder to perform “Let Me Back In,” the love letter to Los Angeles the band originally recorded in 2007, but didn’t release until 2013. “When the palm trees bow their heads, no matter how wrong I’ve been, L.A., you always let me back in.”
Muna performed stripped-down acoustic hits like "I Know A Place" and "Silk Chiffon."
Reggie Watts infused his unique blend of comedy and music. Utilizing his impressive vocal looping skills, Watts improvised a set that was both humorous and musically intricate. His spontaneous compositions, ranging from funk grooves to avant-garde soundscapes, kept the audience engaged and showcased his versatility as an artist.
SNL alum Fred Armisen sat behind a drum set to give a comprehensive history lesson from his “Standup for Drummers” special.
Phantom Planet reunited for the occasion, delivering a nostalgic set that included their breakout hit "California." The song, synonymous with the early 2000s (theme song for The OC), resonated deeply with the Los Angeles audience. Their performance was not as tight as it may have been in the past, though with the backing vocals of not only the packed Palladium floor, but all performers of the evening, lent energy for a powerful rendition of the unofficial city anthem. “California here we come, right back where we started from.”
Throughout the night, the spirit of community and support was ever-present. Artists shared personal anecdotes about their connections to the affected areas, emphasizing the importance of coming together in times of crisis.
Proceeds from the concert were directed to local organizations aiding wildfire victims, including Altadena Girls, Friends in Deed, One Voice, and Pasadena Humane Society.
G*ve a F*ck LA provided much-needed support to those affected, and also highlighted the profound impact of the arts in fostering community resilience.
