The ongoing Los Angeles wildfires have decimated not only thousands of houses but entire communities. With several musicians calling the area home, prominent players in the hard rock and metal scenes have naturally been affected.
Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith is among them. The longtime metal veteran’s wife Natalie Dufrense-Smith posted announced via Instagram that the couple lost their house writing: “We are safe. We have each other. We will start again. #malibustrong,” before thanking everyone for supporting their family.
Primus frontman Les Claypool also revealed that the band’s guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde and his family lost their home. Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan said that his family had to flee the home they were staying at in Los Angeles, as did Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian.
“Sending all our love to the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department,” Ian wrote on social media. “Over and over you risk your lives to save ours and I can’t thank you enough. Tonight is going to be a hellish night for so many. Stay safe my friends, that’s all that matters.”
Corgan wrote: “Wanted to share with everyone as last night we had to evacuate as a family from where we were staying. The situation here in Los Angeles is very overwhelming and at times chaotic but our love to the first responders who so courageously run into these situations…”
He continued: “Praying for everyone today as hopefully this can come under control for the entire area, which is vast in scope and so full of nature. The loss overall is awful and unspeakable and that is what I wish to highlight; as the fires touch every strata of society.”
The Recording Academy’s philanthropic arm MusiCares is offering financial assistance to those affected. Donations can be made via their site: https://musicares.org/.
