Rod Stewart has pledged to help rebuild Los Angeles in the wake of the devastating wildfires.

The singer made the pledge after thrilling fans with his set at the FireAid benefit concert in the city.

Sir Rod, who famously filled in potholes blighting his home town in Essex in 2022, brought up his kids in LA.

He said “It’s the most gorgeous place in the world. Unfortunately we have fires, heavy rains and quakes. But we’ll put up with that because it’s heaven. We’re all here to build it back up.”

The 80-year-old star told how a member of his team was among those to lose their belongings.

He said: “My audio guy lost absolutely everything. He told me the most important thing he lost was his suits and tuxedos. I said, ‘Go and get yourself measured up. I’ll replace them’.”

London-born Rod, who worked as a labourer and fencer before he hit the big time, owns a £65million home in Los Angeles which was spared in the fires.

Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart perform at the FireAid charity event (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

He said: “I hope the good Lord is looking down on me.”

Wife Penny, 53, added, “It’s heartbreaking that the communities around this town have gone up in flames.”

The two simultaneous FireAid shows in LA brought together more than 20 artists over five hours to raise money for rebuilding communities and preventing future fires in the area. Stars performing included Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Billie Eilish, Pink, Katy Perry, Olivia Rodrigo, Sting, Lady Gaga, Green Day, Dr Dre, Alanis Morisette and the surviving members of Nirvana.

Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a building on Sunset Boulevard amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California
Wildfires have devastated large swathes of Los Angeles this year (Image: Getty)

The event raised around £80m and Microsoft co-founder Steve Ballmer has promised to match the total.

Around 30 people died in last month’s Eaton and Palisades fires, the worst in the city’s history, and over 10,000 homes were torched.

Rod admitted he had felt compelled to be the first to sign up, calling the experience “the greatest privilege ever.”

The Reason To Believe singer says he believes music can heal the city. “LA is the most charitable city in the world,” he said. “People are not backwards in going forwards in donating.”

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