Inexperienced Day and Alanis Morissette set the tone on the FireAid profit with songs of hope and resilience. Then got here Anderson .Paak, who turned the stage on the Kia Discussion board right into a California celebration, bringing out legendary musician Sheila E. and Dr. Dre to chip in on each his songs and some of Dre’s.
Billie Joe Armstrong was readily available to introduce .Paak, an Oxnard native, who kicked up the vitality to full gear throughout his four-song set. Sheila E., a Prince collaborator and the anointed Queen of Percussion, appeared to bolster renditions of “Put Me Via” and “Come Down,” with Paak beginning out behind the equipment and transferring to the entrance of the stage.
Then got here one of many night time’s first few surprises: a stirring look from Dre, who has collaborated with .Paak quite a few instances through the years, together with on his 2015 album “Compton.” .Paak performed hype man to Dre for “Nonetheless D.R.E.,” with Dre taking just a few moments to handle the gang and the historic night time.
“I wish to say this can be a magical second for me,” stated Dre. “I received a lot love for you guys and this summer time would be the mark of 40 years that I’ve been on this enterprise. And I respect all of the love that you just guys have been giving me, and the rationale that we’re right here, I respect all the primary responders and firemen that put their lives on the road and I respect all that love. It’s all about love for me to nighttime. However guess what else I received?”
Thus started “California Love,” a West Coast anthem that introduced the three artists collectively to rep for the town. As the ultimate notes rang out, .Paak thanked his supporting solid of characters because the night continued on.