The Two Major 'Rock For Responders' Concerts Of 2025: Lineups, Dates, And How They Support Heroes
As of December 26, 2025, the "Rock for Responders" movement is not a single event but a powerful, bi-coastal phenomenon, with two major, star-studded benefit concerts kicking off the 2025 calendar year in Southern California alone. These events serve as vital fundraisers, leveraging the power of rock music to provide critical financial and mental wellness support to the nation’s first responders, including police, firefighters, military personnel, and emergency medical services (EMS). The concerts, featuring a rotating cast of rock legends from bands like Van Halen, Cheap Trick, and Def Leppard, highlight an urgent need for community support for the heroes who put their lives on the line every day.
The two most prominent and heavily publicized events—the Battleship USS Iowa Rock for Responders and the One805LIVE! Rock for First Responders—are set to deliver unforgettable performances while raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for essential first responder charities. This deep dive provides the most current information on the dates, legendary lineups, and the specific causes each concert supports, ensuring fans and philanthropists know exactly how to get involved.
The Battleship USS Iowa 'Rock for Responders' 2025: The All-Star Jam
The Battleship USS Iowa Museum in San Pedro, California, is the iconic and historic setting for one of the most anticipated charity events of the year. This specific "Rock for Responders" benefit concert is a high-profile, annual event celebrated for its incredible, impromptu all-star jam sessions featuring rock music's elite.
Event Details and Mission
- Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
- Location: Battleship USS IOWA Museum, San Pedro, CA (Los Angeles Waterfront)
- Beneficiaries: The concert honors local firefighters, police, military personnel, and emergency responders. Proceeds support community resilience through the LA Disaster Relief Fund and other charities focused on first responder needs.
- Host: The event is hosted by the National Museum of the Surface Navy at the Battleship IOWA, often in partnership with the Port of Los Angeles and Princess Cruises.
The Legendary 2025 Lineup and Past Performers
The Battleship IOWA event is famous for bringing together a supergroup of rock veterans, often led by figures like Sammy Hagar and Matt Sorum. The lineup is typically a who's who of classic rock, ensuring a high-energy and memorable night for a great cause.
The 2025 event is expected to feature a similar caliber of talent. Past and anticipated performers who have graced the stage include:
- Sammy Hagar (Van Halen, Chickenfoot, The Circle)
- Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver, The Cult)
- Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)
- Robin Zander (Cheap Trick)
- Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Country Communion)
- Peter Criss (Ex-KISS)
- Rick Allen (Def Leppard)
These musicians not only perform their hits but often collaborate on stage, creating unique and powerful musical moments that underscore the importance of supporting the first responder community. The funds raised directly contribute to programs that address the physical and emotional toll of their demanding professions.
One805LIVE! 'Rock for First Responders' 2025: Focused on Mental Wellness
In the Santa Barbara County area, the organization One805 hosts its annual flagship benefit, One805LIVE!, which is widely recognized as the "Rock for First Responders" event for the region. While sharing a similar mission, this concert has a specific and crucial focus: funding mental wellness and critical equipment for local agencies.
Event Details and Critical Impact
One805’s events have proven incredibly successful, raising significant capital to provide essential resources that local government budgets often cannot cover. The organization's focus is on the long-term well-being of those who serve the community.
- Flagship Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
- Additional Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 (often a smaller, related benefit)
- Location: Various venues in Santa Barbara County, CA, such as Summerland.
- Core Mission: To provide funding for mental wellness programs, counseling services, and essential equipment for First Responder agencies in Santa Barbara County, including the Fire, Police, and Sheriff Departments.
The One805LIVE! concert in the past has raised upwards of $350,000 in a single night, directly supporting mental health initiatives for first responders, a critical and often overlooked area of need.
Anticipated Performers and The Santa Barbara Connection
The One805 events also draw major rock and country headliners. The intimate setting and the powerful local mission make it a favorite for artists who want to give back to the community.
Notable artists who have been part of the One805LIVE! events include:
- Sammy Hagar (A key figure in both major benefits)
- Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon)
- Katy Perry (Past guest, highlighting the event's broad appeal)
- Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)
The consistent appearance of rock icons like Sammy Hagar across both the Battleship IOWA and One805 events underscores the deep commitment of the rock community to the first responder cause across Southern California.
Why 'Rock for Responders' Matters: The Broader Impact
The enthusiasm for these charity benefit concerts is more than just a love for classic rock; it reflects a growing, urgent recognition of the sacrifices made by first responders. The funds raised are channeled into specific, life-changing programs.
Supporting Brain and Body Wellness
Charities benefiting from the "Rock for Responders" events often focus on brain and body wellness. This includes providing access to cutting-edge therapies, counseling for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and equipment designed to improve safety and response times.
The One805 model, in particular, champions mental wellness programs to combat the high rates of stress, anxiety, and trauma experienced by police officers and firefighters. This support is essential for maintaining a healthy and resilient force.
Community Resilience and Disaster Relief
In the Los Angeles area, the Battleship IOWA event often ties its fundraising to the LA Disaster Relief Fund. This ensures that when major events—like the devastating Southern California wildfires or other natural disasters—strike, the first responder agencies have the immediate, flexible funding they need to mobilize and protect the public.
These concerts are not just about a single night of music; they are a critical component of a year-round effort to ensure the men and women who run toward danger have the resources they need to recover, recharge, and remain effective. By attending or donating to these events, fans become direct partners in supporting community safety and the well-being of its heroes.
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