A heartfelt concert took place on January 7, 2025, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, marking the first anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire that claimed 19 lives in Altadena. The event, titled A Concert for Altadena, featured performances from prominent artists including Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, Stephen Stills, Brandon Flowers of the Killers, and Brad Paisley. The concert aimed to not only honor the victims but also raise funds for ongoing relief efforts in the community.
Goldsmith opened the evening with Randy Newman’s “I Love LA,” acknowledging the significance of the date and expressing gratitude to the audience for their support. Reflecting on the personal impact of the fire, Goldsmith noted, “We’re here – we’re doing this thing,” emphasizing the collective resilience of the community. His recording studio, along with the homes of family members, was destroyed in the blaze.
Actor John C. Reilly, who also lost his home to the fire, served as the event’s emcee. He shared his poignant reflections on the community’s spirit, stating, “The places that survived, the restaurants that pulled it together to keep serving hot meals to traumatized people, the churches that are still opening their doors to offer places of peace.” Reilly’s remarks resonated with the audience, providing a sense of hope and healing.
Musical Performances Bring Joy and Reflection
The evening began with a lively performance by Ozomatli, featuring Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas alongside his daughter, Juliana. They performed “Stand Strong,” a tribute to their own connections to Altadena. Following this, alternative rock band Everclear entertained the crowd, with frontman Art Alexakis reflecting on his own experience of displacement due to the fire.
Reilly returned to the stage to introduce more special guests, including filmmaker Ondi Timoner and community organizer Heavenly Hughes, whose documentary “All The Walls Came Down” has gained critical acclaim.
A particularly emotional moment occurred when Eric Krasno, whose son’s school was lost to the fire, performed Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile [Slight Return].” The lyrics resonated with many in attendance, evoking memories of the tragic events of the past year.
The concert continued with stunning performances from Judith Hill, whose song “Cry, Cry, Cry” took on new significance in light of the community’s loss. Mandy Moore, married to Goldsmith, performed her hit “Candy,” which now carried a bittersweet message of longing for a beloved place.
Community Resilience and Hope
The spirit of community was palpable as the night progressed. Stephen Stills captivated the audience with his renditions of “For What It’s Worth” and “Love the One You’re With,” balancing themes of struggle and affection. As the concert culminated, all artists returned to the stage to perform the Beatles’ classic “With a Little Help From My Friends,” reinforcing the message of solidarity.
Goldsmith led the first verse, joined by Wainwright, Paisley, and others, creating a powerful moment of unity as the crowd sang along. “Do you need anybody?” echoed through the auditorium, symbolizing the collective need for support in the wake of tragedy.
Overall, A Concert for Altadena served as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the community. The event not only honored those lost in the Eaton Fire but also fostered a sense of hope and healing through music and shared experiences. As attendees left the auditorium, the warmth and love shared throughout the night lingered, underscoring the enduring spirit of Altadena.