Band Together North Bay wildfire relief concert at AT&T Park raises more than $15 million

Thursday, November 9, 2017
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Tens of thousands of people came to San Francisco to help the victims of the North Bay wildfires. The concert, called Band Together went well past 11 p.m. Thursday night.

Band Together's headliners, Metallica, really drew this crowd in Thursday night. All the performers, including Dave Matthews and Dead and Company, volunteered to be a part of this fundraiser - meaning, everyone played for free. And everyone on stage, including former San Francisco Giants star Barry Bonds came in hopes of making a difference.
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Thursday night did make a difference to thousands of first responders and fire victims. They were given free tickets, and a priority spot at AT&T Park. Most wore special LED bracelets which lit up in unison to show just how many were impacted by the North Bay fires.

RELATED: Fans enjoy sound check ahead of fire benefit concert in SF

The house Michelle Hammock grew up in, in Coffey Park is gone.

"It was a punch in the gut, it was crushing," said Hammock.



But Thursday night, offered a little break from reality. From the worries, the fears, the unknown.

"This has been amazing. I feel like I'm back to normal, some kind of normalcy. Very blessed," said Lupita Martinez, North Bay wildfires victim.
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RELATED: Metallica headlining benefit concert to help North Bay fire victims

Over and over again, the ones getting the most praise - were the first responders. Many had a hard time with all of the attention.

"Just something like this to give to us back, we don't expect anything ever. I don't ever want anything back. Because it's my job," said Blaine Christiansen, Cal Fire



With the appreciation filling the stadium, Band Together raised more than $15 million.

If you'd like to donate to the concert's relief fund, click here.


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Click here for a look back at the North Bay fires on the one month anniversary, and click here for a look back at ABC7 News' comprehensive coverage on this disaster.




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