Nirvana’s Reunion, Dr. Dre’s Cali Cameo, Lady Gaga’s Show-Closer & More of the Best Photos From FireAid Benefit Concert

With a lineup of 27 legendary acts across two venues to raise money for wildfire victims and rebuilding efforts, Thursday night’s FireAid benefit concert was poised to be an epic night. But what transpired at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, turned out to be even more historic than anyone could have expected.

The most unexpected part of the night came from the unannounced reunion of the surviving members of Nirvana — drummer Dave Grohl and bassist Krist Novoselic, along with touring guitarist Pat Smear — plus a revolving door of female vocalists (lovingly dubbed “Hervana”). They started out with St. Vincent for “Breed,” then Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon for “School,” followed by Joan Jett on “Territorial Pissings,” and finally Dave’s 18-year-old daughter Violet Grohl for “All Apologies.” The performance needed (and got) no introduction, as audience members at the Forum and at home pieced together what they were witnessing in real time.

Other surprise collabs throughout the night included Billie Eilish (who would later perform a solo set with her brother Finneas at the Intuit Dome) joining show openers Green Day for a perfect Billie + Billie Joe moment on “Last Night on Earth.” Two sets later, Dr. Dre joined Anderson .Paak (as well as drummer Sheila E.) for “Still D.R.E.” and the ever-appropriate “California Love.” Also, Dawes welcomed Stephen Stills and Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth,” and Stills hung around when buddy and bandmate Graham Nash joined for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Teach Your Children.”

John Fogerty popped up with The Black Crowes for Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain,” while Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash joined the rock band to cover Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.” Jelly Roll welcomed Travis Barker on drums to cover Bob Seger’s “Hollywood Nights”; and Sting returned to the stage to join Stevie Wonder for “Superstition” and “Higher Ground,” which also included Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea on bass.

And that’s just what wasn’t on the stacked lineup in advance. We also got P!nk covering Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin, Lady Gaga debuting the one-night-only new song “All I Need Is Time,” Joni Mitchell bringing the emotional weight with “Both Sides Now” and much more. Below, find the best photos from an incredible night of music with a mission. Those wanting to donate to Los Angeles wildfire relief funds are encouraged to visit fireaidla.org, and you can currently rewatch the full livestream via YouTube and other platforms.