Foo Fighters, The Linda Lindas, and Minutemen Unite for ‘We Are LA!’ Wildfires Benefit Single

An inspiring collaboration of punk legends and rising stars comes together to support LA wildfire relief efforts through the ‘We Are LA!’ benefit single.

A Rallying Call from LA’s Music Scene

When disaster strikes, the music community often steps up, turning heartbreak into harmony. The recent wildfires that devastated Los Angeles sparked just such a response, with members of Foo Fighters, The Linda Lindas, and Minutemen among a passionate collective of musicians who joined forces to record ‘We Are LA!’ — a benefit single designed to raise both funds and spirits.

An impressive lineup of punk and rock veterans gathered for the ‘We Are LA!’ project.

This track unites an extensive group of punk and punk-adjacent artists, all lending their voices and talents to support the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. This charity is a vital lifeline providing assistance to musicians and industry professionals impacted by the destructive LA wildfires that tore through the city early last year.

Stars Behind the Song: Legends and New Voices

What’s truly exciting about ‘We Are LA!’ is the blend of musical generations coming together. Rami Jaffee of Foo Fighters, Mike Watt of Minutemen, and Eloise Wong from The Linda Lindas all contribute their unique energy to the track. Jane Weidlin of The Go-Go’s and Jonny Two Bags from Social Distortion also lend their talents, visibly appearing in the song’s engaging video.

The collaboration doesn’t stop there. Other punk icons involved include Jim Lindberg (Pennywise), Ron Emory and Greg Kuehn (TSOL), Atom Willard (Alkaline Trio), Tony Reflex (The Adolescents), Annette Zilinskas (The Bangles), Texacala Jones (Tex and The Horseheads), Teresa Stone (The Pony Tales), and Paul Roessler (The Screamers). Together, their combined spirit is palpable, turning the song into a communal anthem for resilience.

Support Through Music and Memorabilia

For fans eager to contribute beyond the track itself, a signed guitar and T-shirt, autographed by most contributors, are up for auction. This unique memorabilia offers a tangible piece of the collaboration, with proceeds going directly to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. If you want to place your bid, you have until January 18, 10 PM ET.

Watch the ‘We Are LA!’ Official Video

The Devastation That Sparked a Movement

The LA wildfires of January last year left an indelible mark — more than 30 lives lost and over 16,000 structures destroyed. For a city so deeply linked to the entertainment industry, the impact was both personal and profound. Musicians, music professionals, and fans alike felt the shockwaves, inspiring a wave of heartfelt support and relief efforts.

To capture the stories and the raw emotions, many artists shared their experiences, highlighting the long-lasting effects of such a tragedy on the creative community.

A Wave of Benefit Concerts and Massive Support

Music’s power to unite and heal was evident in the major benefit concerts that followed. The FireAid shows at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum brought together an extraordinary roster of performers, including Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, Katy Perry, Joni Mitchell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting, Stevie Nicks, Gracie Abrams, Green Day, No Doubt, Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Wonder, The Black Crowes, Anderson .Paak, and Alanis Morissette.

These two concerts alone drew over 50 million viewers via live stream, underscoring how music can mobilize an international community to rally around a cause.

According to the FireAid organization, these events amassed an estimated $100 million from ticket sales, merch, sponsorships, and donations — a testament to the generosity and solidarity of the music world.

More Ways the Music Community Has Rallied

Beyond ‘We Are LA!’ and FireAid, the music community released the Los Angeles Rising benefit album featuring contributions from Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Devo, and more. Proceeds from this compilation also support the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

Just recently, A Concert For Altadena marked the one-year anniversary of the wildfires, celebrating resilience and remembrance through music once again.

Music as a Beacon of Hope

At times like these, music reminds us why it matters. It’s not just entertainment; it’s community, compassion, and a call to action. The ‘We Are LA!’ single captures this spirit beautifully, weaving together the voices of punk legends and new talents to say loud and clear: LA stands strong, together.

“An extensive group of punk and punk-adjacent musicians are involved in the recording, which has been made to support the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.”

FAQ

• Who are the key musicians involved in ‘We Are LA!’?
  The project features Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters), Mike Watt (Minutemen), Eloise Wong (The Linda Lindas), Jane Weidlin (The Go-Go’s), Jonny Two Bags (Social Distortion), and many more punk and rock legends.
• What cause does the ‘We Are LA!’ single support?
  It supports the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which aids musicians and industry professionals affected by the LA wildfires.
• Are there ways to contribute beyond the single?
  Yes, fans can bid on a signed guitar and T-shirt from the project’s contributors, with proceeds going to the same fund.
• What other major benefit events were held for LA wildfire relief?
  The FireAid concerts at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum, featuring artists like Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Green Day, and many others, raised around $100 million.
• Is there a benefit album related to the wildfires?
  Yes, Los Angeles Rising features artists like Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, and Devo, with proceeds also benefiting the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

Feeling inspired by this incredible musical solidarity? Celebrate your favorite album covers by shopping our exclusive collection of posters that honor music’s powerful moments here. It’s a warm way to keep the music alive in your space.