Bill Burr and Shane Gillis are teaming up for a charity comedy spectacle, lending their laughs to support those impacted by the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles. The comic duo broke the news on their Instagram pages on Tuesday, announcing an event produced by Live Nation that will take the stage at the Wiltern theater on Monday, January 27th. Tickets for this laughter-driven fundraiser went live on Live Nation’s website on the same day, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Wildfire Relief Program, a GoFundMe initiative dedicated to “aiding relief and recovery endeavors tied to the wildfires scorching L.A. County.” The program has ambitiously set a fundraising target of $8 million for wildfire victims, having already surpassed the $5 million mark by Tuesday.
During his guest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last Tuesday, Burr addressed the wildfires’ destruction, poking fun at the internet’s knee-jerk reactions to the natural catastrophe. “I count myself fortunate, and I believe everyone did an admirable job, unlike the internet,” he quipped. “These so-called fire experts suggesting, ‘Why not just fly a helicopter to the ocean?’ I mean, with winds gusting at 100 knots? Really?” Burr also took issue with CNN and Fox News for failing to mention the insurance companies that had callously declined to renew home insurance policies in anticipation of the wildfires.
The announcement of Burr and Gillis’ comedy collaboration follows a string of other benefit events, including the FireAid concert, where a dazzling array of stars will perform in solidarity with wildfire victims at the Intuit Dome and The Forum. The concert lineup boasts an impressive roster including Billie Eilish and Finneas, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Green Day, Jelly Roll, Joni Mitchell, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Pink, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rod Stewart, Sting, Stephen Stills, Stevie Nicks, Tate McRae, Dave Matthews, and John Mayer. Recently added to the bill are Olivia Rodrigo and No Doubt, marking a reunion for Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal, Tom Dumont, and Adrian Young.
