“The community came together and was very generous. The entire downstairs of the venue was filled with piles of donations, everything from clothes and jackets, to pet food, and children’s toys.”
— Jake Perry / Whisky-A-Go-Go Promoter

LOS ANGELES – The devastating fires that rocked Los Angeles has had quite an effect on the music scene, but what an inspiration how the community has united to help.

The Whisky, the epicenter of the Sunset Strip, hosted a successful, three-day donation drive, and a lot of others have helped, too.

“The community came together and was very generous,” Whisky promoter Jake Perry said. “The entire downstairs of the venue was filled with piles of donations, everything from clothes and jackets, to pet food, and children’s toys.”

Perry was touched.

“It was great to see the community come together and contribute to the Whisky’s fire relief drive,” Perry said. “Within hours after announcing the event, we already had dozens of donations from local residents and an outpouring of support from people out of state.  We were overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity, and we’re extremely grateful for everyone’s contribution, big or small; they go a long way. Extra special thanks to Crystal and Joelle at the Whisky for helping put this together.”

Longtime local musician Mark Vachon of Funhouse played a key role for the Whisky drive, too. 

“Yeah, the Whisky and Hollywood are near and dear to my heart because I was raised there, and (late founder) Mario Maglieri used to let me in the club when my band Mad Society would play to promote,” Vachon said. “I was 13 years old then. Mad society played a Friday and Saturday night with the Weirdos at the Whisky in 1980. The Maglieri family has always been super supportive towards bands and the Hollywood scene. So this is home to me and the reason I chose to be a part of their Los Angeles fire relief event. It was an honor to be on board and I will continue to create events at the Whisky up-and-coming through 2025 to support the cause.”

The fires started on Jan. 7, pushed by Santa Ana winds and dry land across the Southland. The biggest were the Palisades fire that destroyed 23,700 acres, and two weeks later it is 52 percent contained. The Eaton fire near Pasadena has burned more than 14,000 acres – Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith lost his house – and is 81 percent contained.

At least 25 have died, and 24 remain missing.

There were also smaller fires in the Hollywood Hills, the San Fernando Valley and other spots.

“This is very, very serious and we all must do what we can to help,” longtime local singer Keli Raven said. “Anything, be it prayer, helping somebody, perhaps even a family store saving a precious item. Perhaps the only thing they have left or even a hug as they have many many long days perhaps even years ahead to get through this most horrifying event.”

Raven has contributed a track to a charity digital compilation packet produced by Stonebreed singer Carlos Bates entitled “Aid For L.A.,” featuring about 300 artists from all over the world. The plan is to raise money for L.A. firefighters

The cost is $10, and all proceeds benefit the CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION.

“All the bands who donated a song have been truly incredible by sharing to all their fans, family and friends trying to spread the word,” Bates said. 

Downloads are available HERE!

Bates said he is touched at how strong the Rock community has responded.

“I sincerely wanted to do something to help the firefighters, so I thought maybe a digital compilation would help if I could get some bands to donate a song,” Cruz said. “The response has been overwhelming. The compilation has 300 artists from around the whole world and counting. The proceeds will be going to the Cafirefoundation.org.”

On a larger scale, the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum host some of the biggest names in music on Jan. 30 for the FireAid benefit concert that will be televised on various outlets.

Steve Ballmer, owner of both venues and the Los Angeles Clippers, also donated $15 million to help those impacted by the fires that left families devastated. 

“FireAid is an evening of music and solidarity dedicated to rebuilding communities devastated by wildfires and supporting efforts to prevent future fire disasters throughout Southern California,” Ballmer said. “We understand that there will be a long road to recovery for the L.A. region and remain committed to supporting the community.” 

Intuit Dome concert headliners include 

Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder and Sting.

The Kia Forum concert features Alanis Morissette, Dave Matthews and John Mayer, Graham Nash, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, Pink, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks and the Black Crowes.

Musicares is offering anyone who has worked in the L.A. music industry for more than five years immediate assistance of $1,500 plus $500 in food vouchers. They can be reached at musiccaresrelief@musicares.org.

Charlie Overbey, formerly known as Kit Ashley of Big Bang Babies, divides his time between Los Angeles and New Mexico, and the civic-minded singer is also pitching in.

Overbey is contributing a song to L.A. Fire Fundraiser called “L.A. Strong – We Will March On.”

“You can bet I will be recruiting a bunch of the Socal musician homies to track on it and get involved,” Overbey said. “Yes, you can plan on gettin’ that reach-out,and if you don’t, call me. 

I’m planning on tracking the release version in Los Angeles as soon as possible, and having everyone together in one place will be incredibly helpful to the cause and bonding for all which we all need in these times.”

Overbey is also organizing a charity raffle.

“I was born and raised in LA, and some of my favorite memories in Big Bang Babies were partying in those now burned down homes,” Overbey said. “The losses of all those families weighs heavy on the heart. My brand Lone Hawk Hats and a big gang of my music and actor friends are going to auction and raffle and do all we can to help rebuild L.A. It’s going to take years but we’re a strong and resilient breed us Angelinos!” 

Meanwhile, Canyon Club in Agoura Hills hosts (hosted) the L.A. Fires Fundraiser on Jan. 23 featuring Emo Kids, Circle The Earth, Almost Noble and others.

Another benefit show is Out of The Ashes: Benefit For Recovery on Feb. 15 at Nightengale Studios in Burbank. 

The plan is a night of crushing riffs and heavy grooves to support those impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires with live performances by Cooter Brown, Sloth, Paradise Vultures and others. All proceeds go to the Cal Fire Foundation and Pasadena Humane Society to aid fire victims and displaced animals.

Plus there is My Valley Pass, a fundraising concert

Jan 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Airtel Plaza Hotel in  Van Nuys.

Headlined by popular retro band the Flux Capacitators, the event brings together local musicians to help those in need. All proceeds will be donated to the Fire Relief Fund set up through Hope The Mission. This fund has been created to help those directly impacted by the recent fires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas..

Hope The Mission will also be onsite to collect donations such as blankets, diapers/wipes, water and hydration packs, hygiene Products, masks, cleaning supplies and gift cards.

For more than 12 years, the Flux Capacitators has electrified stages worldwide with their high-energy, authentic shows! They blend the greatest hits of the 80s and 90s into a thrilling, time-traveling experience.

Hosted by Alessandra Taryn and Hector Perez-Roman, the concert also features Eye Of The Sun, the Matt Michienzie Band, La Rue Sounds, Vane, Pamela Vargas, Manny D’ Mago and DJ Just Chris.

Metal Sludge sends our best wishes and support to all of those affected.

Gerry Gittelson can be reached at gerryg123@gmail.com

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