Sophie Lloyd has confirmed that she will be going ahead with her first-ever US solo show in California, despite the ongoing wildfires across Los Angeles.
The guitarist, who previously toured as part of Machine Gun Kelly’s live band, previously shared details of what would be her first-ever show in the United States as a solo artist. This came as a gig at the iconic Whiskey A Go Go on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip on January 16.
However, the extensive wildfires across the city put the hopes for the show into question, with many artists cancelling shows and events amid the news.
According to a recent BBC News report, at least 24 people have died in the fires and 23 others are missing. More than 90,000 are reportedly under evacuation orders. The California Department of Forestry And Fire Protection (CAL Fire) said there were four “active incidents” across the city of LA.
Now, Lloyd has taken to Instagram to confirm that her show will be going ahead as planned, and money raised from the gig will be donated towards the extensive relief efforts across the city.
“Like most of the world, I have watched, with horror, the fires ravaging LA over the last week. We have witnessed unprecedented destruction across a city so beloved by so many,” she began. “It feels very strange to be discussing our gig when people are experiencing so much loss and pain right now. But I have had a lot of people asking about the status of our show on Thursday, January 16th, at The Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood.
“Things are changing very quickly, but at this time, we have decided to go forward with the show. Everything will go ahead as planned including all the VIP experiences. Safety is our first priority so we will continue to monitor the situation and update you if there are any changes,” she added, going on to explain that she hopes the gig will offer a brief escape from the “unfathomable” loss people have faced.
“The show will go ahead, if nothing else to recognise the resilience of the people of LA and maybe provide a small distraction to the pain people may be feeling, while trying to help in whatever small way I can.”
According to the post, “a portion of the proceeds from the merchandise sold at the gig” will be donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, along with $5 from every remaining ticket sold.
On top of that, she will be auctioning off one of her signature Kiesel Guitars to raise funds for Pasadena Humane – an animal shelter that is currently housing and providing support for over 400 animals affected by the fires.
“If you have been affected by the fires and are in need of clothes, food or supplies you can head down to @thewhiskyagogo Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week to get anything you need,” she concluded. “To the people of Los Angeles – my heart is with you, my soul is with you, and I am with you, and I look forward to rocking out with you guys.”
You can find remaining tickets to Lloyd’s Whiskey A Go Go show here, and find out about the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation here and the Pasadena Humane charity here.
Lloyd is just one of a handful of artists getting involved to help support those affected by the wildfires. Beyoncé‘s foundation, for example, donated $2.5million to relief efforts and Paris Hilton has donated $100,000 and launched a fund to help displaced families.
Jamie Lee Curtis has donated $1million to relief efforts, after talks with California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Charli XCX urged brands who send her clothing to instead donate it to those affected by the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires.
Guitar Center announced a new programme that will help musicians affected by replacing their instruments or gear, and Metallica have also donated $500,000 to relief efforts.
Many stars have also been affected by the devastation, with Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith confirming that his home in Malibu had been destroyed and Primus’ Ler LaLonde revealing that his home had been reduced to ruins.
Last week, Paris Hilton opened up about watching her home burn down on television, while James Woods, Billy Crystal, Cary Elwes and Mark Hamill are among the other high-profile names to have been badly affected.
Heroes actor Milo Ventimiglia got emotional during a live interview while discussing watching his own house burn down, while a fundraiser for DIIV frontman Zachary Cole Smith was launched after his house succumbed to the fires. Mel Gibson‘s house was another one to be destroyed, with the actor revealing that it burned down while he was recording his appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
