Dawes Rises from the Ashes: A Tale of Loss, Resilience, and the Healing Power of Music in Fire-Ravaged Los Angeles
The devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles in late 2023 left a trail of destruction, turning homes and dreams to ash. Amidst this landscape of loss, the rock band Dawes emerged as a symbol of the resilience of the LA music community, embodying both the heartbreak of the disaster and the unwavering spirit of recovery. Lead singer Taylor Goldsmith and his brother, drummer Griffin Goldsmith, found themselves grappling with the harsh realities of the fires, with Taylor losing his home studio and precious musical equipment, and Griffin losing his entire home in Altadena. Their personal tragedy became a microcosm of the wider devastation experienced by countless artists and residents, transforming Dawes into reluctant figureheads of a community struggling to rebuild.
In the wake of the fires, the music industry rallied around its own, organizing the massive FireAid benefit concert on January 30th, 2024. Dawes, despite their personal losses, answered the call, lending their musical talents to the cause. Just days later, an even larger platform beckoned: the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. In a surprise appearance, Dawes took the stage as the opening act, backed by an all-star ensemble that included music icons like Sheryl Crow, Brittany Howard, Brad Paisley, and St. Vincent. Their stirring rendition of Randy Newman’s "I Love L.A." transcended a simple performance, becoming an anthem of hope and a tribute to the city’s enduring spirit. The song, typically a celebratory ode to Los Angeles, took on a new poignancy, resonating with both the pain of the present and the unwavering belief in a brighter future.
Backstage, amidst the whirlwind of their Grammy debut, the Goldsmith brothers reflected on the surreal juxtaposition of their personal tragedy and the unexpected honor. The performance wasn’t just a career milestone; it was a chance to give back to the community they loved. "In moments like these," Taylor Goldsmith shared, "it’s very easy for musicians to feel helpless. We don’t know what we can do to help rebuild." The opportunity to perform at FireAid and the Grammys, to raise awareness and funds, and to offer a moment of solace, became a profound responsibility. It was a chance to transform their grief into action, to contribute to the healing process, even if it was just by "grabbing a hammer and nails" to help rebuild their friends’ homes.
The enormity of the devastation weighed heavily on them. Griffin Goldsmith admitted the difficulty of comprehending the scale of the disaster, even through the constant barrage of images online. The true impact, the sheer number of lives upended, was difficult to grasp. The fires had left an indelible mark, not just on the physical landscape, but on the collective psyche of Los Angeles. The road to recovery would be long and arduous, but the community’s spirit remained unbroken.
The whirlwind nature of the Grammy performance added another layer of surreality to their experience. The call came suddenly, thrusting them into rehearsals and onto the stage in a matter of days. For a band that had never been nominated, never even attended the Grammys, it was a dizzying ascent. The sudden shift from the possibility of never experiencing the Grammy stage to opening the show was a testament to the unpredictable nature of life and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from adversity.
For Dawes, the Grammys became a convergence of childhood dreams and a profound desire to serve their community in its darkest hour. The juxtaposition of the lowest lows and the highest highs, the pain of loss and the joy of performing, created a deeply meaningful experience. Their performance wasn’t just a musical act; it was a symbol of hope, a testament to the power of music to heal, and a reflection of the enduring spirit of Los Angeles. Dawes, rising from the ashes alongside their community, embodied the message that even in the face of unimaginable devastation, the human spirit, fueled by creativity and compassion, can endure and ultimately triumph. Their journey from loss to the Grammy stage became a powerful narrative of resilience, a story of how music can bind a community together, offering solace and strength in the face of adversity.
