Dave Matthews has been forced to withdraw from the LA benefit concert hours before the show starts due to a ‘critical illness in the family’. The Crash Into Me singer was set to perform in a duet with John Mayer at FireAid tonight (January 30) along with sets from Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Stevie Nicks and Sir Rod Stewart. The benefit gig aims to raise money for the victims of the LA wildfires, which broke out earlier this month and decimated much of the area.

Funds from FireAid will go towards ‘rebuilding infrastructure and supporting displaced families’. A statement confirmed that Dave, 58, would not be attending the concert despite being on the lineup due to a family emergency. It read: ‘Due to a critical illness in the family, Dave Matthews is unfortunately unable to perform at the FireAid and MusiCares benefits this week.’. Just days before, Dave Matthews Band announced a US tour, including a date at the Kia Forum — where FireAid is held — on August 22.

It’s thought John Mayer will still perform the scheduled slot, although it’s unknown if someone will step in for Dave or he will go solo. In a story on Instagram after the Grey Street singer’s announcement, John wrote: ‘Sending all my love to Dave, who will be there in spirit with me.’. When the duet was revealed, the American singer wrote on Instagram: ‘It’s an honour to be in a position to help a cause as important as rebuilding lives and communities that were devastated by wildfires. I’ll be performing live next to one of my musical heroes, Dave Matthews at @fireaidla.’.

FireAid will be split between two venues; the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum, with no formal headliners. Sir Rod Stewart is set to perform at the Intuit Dome ahead of his Glastonbury Legends slot later this year. Plenty of legacy artists like Earth Wind and Fire, Joni Mitchell, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers are on the billing. Newcomers Gracie Abrams, Tate McRae, and Jelly Roll, who all shot to fame last year are mixed in with a healthy dose of 00s nostalgia from Gwen Stefani, Green Day, and Pink.

Katy Perry is also on the lineup, having previously promised that the revenue from her latest album, 143, which had a lukewarm reception last year, would be donated to help victims of the fire. Got a story?. If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.