When the city you love faces devastation, the loss is deeply personal. Dawes, the folk-rock band led by brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, demonstrated this on Monday night (Jan. 13) during an emotional performance of their 2011 song “Time Spent in Los Angeles” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The stripped-down rendition became a poignant homage to a hometown ravaged by the catastrophic Eaton Fire.
A Performance of Heartache
Seated with just an acoustic guitar, Taylor sang the melancholic lyrics as images of firefighters battling flames and displaced residents assessing destruction played behind him. The performance took on a deeply personal note; Taylor’s home studio, along with the band’s equipment, was lost in the fire, and Griffin’s Altadena home burned to the ground.
The devastation extended far beyond material possessions. As Griffin shared on Instagram, the blaze destroyed years of memories, a nearly finished nursery for his unborn son, and the tight-knit Altadena community they had lovingly cultivated.
“We had convinced our whole family and closest friends to join us in Altadena,” Griffin wrote. “All of these houses are gone. The thing we mourn the most is the loss of the community.”
The Impact of the Eaton Fire
The Eaton Fire has decimated more than 14,000 acres and is only 33% contained. Officials have warned of worsening conditions with approaching high winds. The fire’s toll includes at least 16 lives lost, with fears of more casualties as rescue efforts continue.
The destruction has displaced countless Angelenos, including families like Taylor’s and Griffin’s. Taylor’s wife, actress Mandy Moore, described the experience of fleeing the fires while mourning the loss of homes, schools, and her cherished city.
A Call to Support
Monday’s performance was part of a broader effort to provide relief. Dawes partnered with MusiCares and the Recording Academy, which launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort with a $1 million pledge to support musicians affected by the crisis. Financial aid of up to $1,500 and food vouchers are available to those with more than five years in the music industry.
Taylor acknowledged the weight of the moment in an Instagram post before the show:
“In an incredibly dark time, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has asked us to come sing a song about the city we love. It’s not a joyous occasion for music, but hopefully a cathartic one amidst all this chaos.”
Jimmy Kimmel’s Tribute
The wildfire’s impact hit close to home for Jimmy Kimmel Live! as well. Host Jimmy Kimmel opened the episode with an emotional monologue, nearly in tears, as he praised the firefighters’ heroic efforts and acknowledged the profound loss felt by his staff and community. Kimmel has turned his studio backlot into a donation center to collect essential supplies for those displaced.
A Community Rebuilds
While the wildfires have caused immeasurable devastation, the resilience of the Los Angeles community shines through. As Dawes’ heartfelt performance reminded viewers, even in the face of unimaginable loss, love for the city remains steadfast.
Photo Credit: Adam Marks