A special concert titled “A Concert for Altadena” took place on January 7, 2025, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, marking the anniversary of the devastating Eaton Fire that struck Altadena a year earlier. The performance featured singer-guitarist Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes, alongside notable artists such as Stephen Stills, Brandon Flowers of The Killers, and Brad Paisley, all coming together to honor the victims and support ongoing relief efforts in the community.
The Eaton Fire, which erupted in January 2024, resulted in the loss of 19 lives and caused extensive damage across Altadena. As Goldsmith opened the evening with Randy Newman’s “I Love LA,” he expressed gratitude to the audience for their presence on a day that has become synonymous with tragedy. Goldsmith’s own recording studio, along with family homes of his bandmates, were destroyed in the fire, adding a personal layer to the evening’s significance.
Reflections on Loss and Community Resilience
Actor John C. Reilly, who served as the evening’s host, also lost his home in the fire. He shared heartfelt reflections on the resilience of the Altadena community. “As I was missing being in Altadena today, I went up and I visited the old place,” Reilly recalled, highlighting how the spirit of the community has persevered. He mentioned the local restaurants that continued to serve meals and the churches that opened their doors for solace amid the devastation.
Audience members resonated with Reilly’s emotional words as he remarked, “And here we are… that, my friends, is the most inspiring thing of all. We are still here.” His candid expression of loss and hope sparked laughter and applause, encapsulating the evening’s dual themes of remembrance and healing.
The concert featured a diverse lineup, beginning with the Los Angeles band Ozomatli. Their performance included a poignant moment when singer-rapper Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, accompanied by his daughter Juliana, performed “Stand Strong,” a song dedicated to their roots in Altadena.
A Night of Musical Healing
Following Ozomatli, Everclear took the stage, delivering hits like “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine.” Lead singer Art Alexakis spoke about the fire’s impact on his family, emphasizing the sentiment shared by many in attendance. As the evening progressed, Reilly introduced other guests, including filmmaker Ondi Timoner and community organizer Heavenly Hughes, whose documentary “All The Walls Came Down” has received acclaim.
The emotional weight of the night was palpable as Goldsmith and his bandmates performed, drawing on the collective experience of loss. Guitarist Eric Krasno delivered a stirring rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile [Slight Return],” with lyrics that resonated deeply with the audience’s memories of the fire.
Other highlights included Judith Hill, whose performance of “Cry, Cry, Cry” took on new meaning in light of recent events. The chorus echoed the community’s call for strength and resilience. Mandy Moore, married to Goldsmith, also graced the stage, connecting her song “Candy” to the theme of yearning for a lost home.
As the concert drew to a close, the energy culminated in a powerful performance of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends.” The ensemble featured all guest artists who had participated throughout the night, creating a moving finale that encapsulated the spirit of togetherness and support.
The concert not only provided a platform for healing but also raised funds for the Altadena Builds Back Foundation and various local organizations dedicated to recovery efforts. The night served as a reminder of the strength of community in the face of adversity, reinforcing the message that together, they can overcome the challenges ahead.
With music as a healing force, “A Concert for Altadena” stood as a testament to resilience, unity, and hope—a night where the community came together to rise from the ashes of the past.
