John Mayer performs 'Gravity' and 'Free Fallin' at FireAid LA benefit concert
Courtesy: AFP
John Mayer delivered a memorable performance at the FireAid LA Benefit Concert, leaving fans divided but undeniably impressed by his guitar skills and soulful delivery.
Performing solo at the Intuit Dome on January 30, 2025, Mayer’s acoustic renditions of hits like “Neon” and “Gravity,” alongside a touching tribute to Tom Petty with his rendition of “Free Fallin’,” captured the audience’s attention.
John Mayer (Live in FireAid LA Benefit Concert) #FireAidLA pic.twitter.com/DosU9Kx5zG
— gabby (@continuumjm) January 31, 2025
when john mayer did neon gravity and a tom petty cover #FireAidLA pic.twitter.com/jlKSIJYU5Q
Mayer’s performance stood out, as he embraced his roots with heartfelt, bluesy guitar solos and candid on-stage banter. Wearing glasses and a simple ensemble of jeans, he strummed his way through a selection of classics that resonated deeply with the crowd.
John Mayer playing the acoustic guitar in those glasses is doing something to me #FireAid pic.twitter.com/h8E17BUKdZ
As he introduced “Free Fallin’”, Mayer shared his thoughts with the audience: “For me and so many others growing up, this was our first insight into the dream of living in California and it is a dream. For those whose dreams have broken, we will get together tonight and many other nights to make sure those dreams are repaired.”
John Mayer really is one of the greatest guitarists of our era and I don’t think that’s talked about enough
Despite the undeniable musical talent Mayer displayed, social media reactions reflected a mix of admiration and frustration. Fans expressed appreciation for his guitar skills, with one user tweeting, "Say what you want about the man, but John Mayer is actually an incredible guitar player", and another reacting to his acoustic set: "John Mayer playing the acoustic guitar in those glasses is doing something to me #FireAid."
say what you want about the man but john mayer is actually an incredible guitar player
However, not all reactions were positive. Some fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their desire for other performers to take the stage. One user tweeted, "Get John Mayer off that stage, I wanna see Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, and Billie Eilish #FireAid."
get john mayer off that stage, i wanna see olivia rodrigo, lady gaga, stevie nicks, and billie eilish #FireAid #FireAidLA pic.twitter.com/4uNqMvXcAw
— ً (@demiegcd) January 31, 2025John Mayer is just taking up space on that stage...... where's Billie..... Gaga.... Olivia #FireAid pic.twitter.com/5GgqxVkp3X
— ً (@demiegcd) January 31, 2025why is john mayer on my screen get him off
For others, Mayer’s performance was a refreshing reminder of his undeniable talent. "Imagine still hating John Mayer in 2025," said one fan, while another tweeted, "When you're reminded that sometimes John Mayer music is kinda good ..."
Imagine still hating John Mayer in 2025
— Laura Bonsell (@YoureNotLaura) January 31, 2025When you're reminded that sometimes John Mayer music is kinda good ... pic.twitter.com/g2CUCCrsTK
Mayer’s performance was part of a star-studded lineup that included Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, and Stevie Wonder, all coming together to raise funds for the victims of California’s devastating wildfires. Despite mixed feelings, Mayer’s contribution was a standout in the evening's rich tapestry of music, leaving fans with a sense of gratitude and healing, much needed in the aftermath of the wildfires.