At the FireAid Benefit Concert on Thursday night, Anderson .Paak delivered an upbeat set with special guests Sheila E. and Dr. Dre, performing the latter’s hits “Still Dre” and “California Love.”
.Paak kicked off his portion of the evening with two songs from his 2016 album Malibu, “Put Me Thru” and “Come Down” Beneath his impassioned vocals, his backing band the Free Nationals — joined by Sheila E. on the drums — delivered an uproarious, funky energy.
During his time, .Paak addressed the crowd, calling the times “devastating,” but giving a shout out to the community for rallying to help with relief efforts. “Tonight we show that we can come together for a great cause, and as far as I’m concerned, this is one of the greatest nights in Los Angeles history,” he said.
.Paak then introduced Dre, who took the stage for a rendition of his 1999 song “Still Dre.” After that, Dre addressed the crowd himself, thanking first responders and explaining that the benefit concert is “all about love.” He then launched into “California Love,” with .Paak helping him on the verses.
Watch clips of the performance below.
FireAid was organized to help raise funds for relief after Los Angeles was devastated by wildfires earlier this month. Among the other performers booked for the evening are Green Day and Billie Eilish, Joni Mitchell, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Nicks, Jelly Roll, P!NK, Sting, Stephen Stills, John Mayer, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Lil Baby, Gracie Abrams, Tate McRae, Katy Perry, Rod Stewart, and more.
Dr. Dre made a surprise appearance at FireAid, joining Anderson .Paak for a performance of “California Love”pic.twitter.com/FsFzW6KRfV
— CONSEQUENCE (@consequence) January 31, 2025