California

Metallica, Dave Matthews and G-Eazy ‘Band Together' to Raise $15M for North Bay Wildfire Relief

By Riya Bhattacharjee • •

"San Francisco and the Bay Area will not forget, we will support the North Bay as they rebuild:" Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Metallica capped off a stadium-shaking set Thursday night with these words, summing up what  40,000 people in the crowd were feeling.

"Band Together Bay Area" — a five-hour benefit concert geared to help recovery efforts in the North Bay wildfires — took place at AT&T Park from 6 to 11 p.m., raising $15 million. Organizers said it's just a start.[[456520213, C]]

Giants general manager Larry Baer (who donated the stadium), and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff (who donated $2 million), were among those who pitched in to make the fundraiser a success. The artists performed for free.

Salesforce and Gogle had already help raise some $12 million for fire relief efforst by the time of the show.

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit 

“low-income, vulnerable communities impacted by the crisis, including vineyard workers, immigrants, displaced young people and students.”

People who lost their homes and first responders got to attend the concert for free.

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Tipping Point Community, a San Francisco-based nonprofit, will be working with groups such as the Redwood Credit Community Fund, Community Foundation of Sonoma County, Napa Valley Community Foundation and Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa to distribute the proceeds.[[456551763, C]]

Other acts included the Dave Matthews Band, Dead & Company, Rancid, G-Eazy, and Raphael Saadiq.

The crowd jammed to Grateful Dead hits and a surprise appearance by none other than John Mayer.

“This is to raise spirits — not just to raise money,” said Mickey Hart of Dead & Company. “A lot of these people are down. They need some hope. They need the will to fight back — to rebuild if they need to rebuild, and to go on.”

Bay Area pride was strong, with concertgoers sporting their favorite Bay Area fire department, sports team or band insignia.Many wore t-shirts which read: "The love in the air is thicker than smoke," signs that were posted all over Napa and Sonoma counties during the aftermath of the fire.

"This is our home. And we will do anything for our home," Oakland punk rock band Rancid said, before playing their song "Telegraph Avenue."

The concert kicked off with a prayer, and at one point, every person who lost a home or helped toward recovery efforts held up their lit-up phone.[[456520213, C]]

Oakland rapper G Eazy slammed President Donald Trump during his performance: "These fires were devastating and the President of the United States said nothing," he said, leading the crowd in a profanity-laced chant.

Football legend Joe Montana and former Giants Barry Bonds introduced first responders and evacuees who saved others during the fire.

Messages about fire relief efforts sprinkled the acts, with everyone from Snoop Dogg to Facebook CEO Sheryl Sandburg speaking our.

Local act Metallica thrilled the audience which danced, cheered and even veered into moshing.

“I want to say thank you to those who risk their lives to save other lives,” Metallica front man James Hetfield said.

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