Sir Rod Stewart, 80, was one of many big names who took to the stage as part of a star-studded benefit concert featuring over 25 major artists across two Los Angeles venues last night to raise funds for victims of devastating wildfires.
The fires, which began in early January, claimed 29 lives and destroyed more than 16,000 buildings across Los Angeles.
The concerts were held at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome in Inglewood, two large arenas approximately a mile apart.
Billie Eilish and Green Day opened the show with a poignant duet of Last Night On Earth, singing: “If I lose everything in the fire.”
Meanwhile, performing at the Intuit Dome, Sir Rod Stewart flew from England specially for the event, saying: “LA is very special to me, I’ve lived here for 50 odd years.”
He also left fans in hysterics when he joked about playing “new” material, only to belt out his classic smash hit, Maggie May.
Fire Aid LA: Sir Rod Stewart performed in front of thousands at the concert
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Elsewhere, at 81, Joni Mitchell delivered a stunning rendition of Both Sides Now whilst seated on an ornate gold-edged throne, wearing shades and holding a jewelled cane.
Nirvana staged a surprise reunion with female vocalists St Vincent, Kim Gordon, Joan Jett, and Dave Grohl’s daughter Violet performing Cobain’s parts.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers performed hits including Under the Bridge, Lady Gaga sang a previously unreleased song for the crowds, and Stevie Wonder took to the stage at the Intuit Dome alongside other stars including Katy Perry and Lil Baby.
While the music brought an uplifting mood to the arena, there were also poignant moments to reflect on the devastation the fires caused.
Fire Aid LA: Sir Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster attended the concert together
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Top Gun: Maverick star Miles Teller broke his silence at the event about losing his home in the Palisades Fire, telling the audience: “My heart breaks for everyone affected.”
Meanwhile, No Doubt reunited to perform their hits at the Kia Forum, Earth, Wind & Fire performed several of their toe-tapping singles, and John Mayer performed solo, telling the crowd: “It’s an honour to be here tonight.”
The concert was broadcast live across multiple streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. At least 2,000 seats were reserved for first responders, firefighters, police officers, and people who lost their homes.
While the event and its performers were praised for coming together to raise money for those affected by the fires, it’s safe to say Stewart was certainly one of the most-talked-about acts.
Social media was soon awash with praise for the 80-year-old, with many blown away by the detail that the Maggie May hitmaker’s energy and faultless vocals seemed to defy the fact that just weeks earlier he’d become an octogenarian.
On X, one fan excitedly wrote: “Oh HELL yeah!!! This is Legendary s**t. Rod Stewart is f***ing 80 years old, dude. #FireAid.”
“An 80-year old Rod Stewart is giving better live performances in 2025 than 90% of young artistes in this era, today. It’s a damn shame,” a second viewer praised before signing off: “This is music! #FireAid.”
Meanwhile, a third said: “I was always a Rod Stewart fan. Seeing him tonight reaffirmed the reason why he was and is still a legendary singer performing at the highest levels at 80 years old. #FireAid.”
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“Cant believe @rodstewart is 80! Still got it #fireaid,” another praised while a fifth remarked: “@rodstewart hasnt changed much at all and for being 80 is amazing! Well done Sir Rod #FireAid.” (sic)
Stewart’s wife Lancaster addressed being at the benefit gig in a heartfelt social media post just hours before her other half took to the stage.
The Loose Women star penned: “Such an honour to be here @fireaidla, a benefit concert of incredible artists coming together to raise much needed funds to help rebuild communities devastated by LA’s wildfires. @sirrodstewart #fireaidla.” (sic)
