Origins
In 2016, IHEARTCOMIX launched the annual charity event and online auction that brings together LA’s most impactful music curators, influencers and businesses.
Inspired by our roots as promoters, but also by the vibrant scene that had developed over the decade since, the core of the idea came from a desire to bring as much of the community as possible under one roof. The way to do that became obvious as the homeless crisis evolved, demanding more action and awareness. It was this convergence of need and desire that birthed LAGB.
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Talent & Decor
We rallied our music community to create a “demented holiday-themed Disneyland” fully taking over the venue with decorations and experiential moments, including a Death Metal Santa booth. Each event sported secret guests and big name talent curated by each partner. Past highlights include Diplo, Bonobo, TOKiMONSTA, Gangsta Boo, Flosstradamus, Boys Noize, Ducky, Valentino Khan, JPEGMAFIA, Party Favor and many, many more.
Soho House
In 2019, LAGB expanded to include a kick-off party at the new Soho Warehouse in the Arts District to include a wider range of talent. The event featured DJ Ana Calderon and Chris Holmes, comedy from Nina Tarr, Sarah Squirm, Jak Knight and Brandon Wardell, and live performances from Moses Sumney, Devendra Banhart, Machinedrum and Nosaj Thing. Hosted by Zachary Drucker, the evening also included speakers from both My Friend’s Place and Downtown Women’s Center.
Auction
The live events were complemented by an online auction featuring coveted items donated from celebrities and beloved local brands, including Billie Eilish, LA Dodgers, Shepard Fairey & OBEY, Diplo, Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg, Poppy, Grumpy Cat, Lil Miquela, Tenacious D, Eric Andre, SIMONE, Ableton, The Ace Hotel and Mr. Pickles, to name a few.
LIVESTREAM PIVOT
Due to COVID restrictions in 2020, we transformed the annual party into a 24-Hour Global Virtual Telethon that brought together Los Angeles’ talent in an entirely new way. Everything went down inside Death Metal Santa’s castle, as our live hosts led us through a full day of DJ sets, live performances, surprise special guests, exclusive giveaways and a charity sweepstakes on Twitch. As always, 100% of all donations raised during the event went directly to our charity partners SchoolHouse Connection, Downtown Women’s Center and My Friend’s Place.
2020 Talent
We brought together over 60 artists, musicians and DJs for both pre-recorded segments and live in-house performances, from big name talent including A-Trak, Baauer & Holly, Madeon, Matt Berninger of The National, Open Mike Eagle, Pussy Riot, Tim Heidecker & Weyes Blood, Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine, and more.
Our global telethon also featured an eclectic showcase of special holiday performances, including puppets, magic tricks, and more from The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Eric Andre, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses, Sarah Squirm and more.
Original content
Our animated cast of characters – including Death Metal Santa, the hijinks-filled McCreeper, a pair of miserable elves and more – came to life in our custom built dark North Pole. 10 pre-made segments were rolled out throughout the livestream, adding a narrative arc to the event.
We also created a fleet of videos featuring our characters that were revealed in the weeks leading up to the event to spread the word and garner excitement.
Auction Sweepstakes
In lieu of an in-person auction, we hosted a digital charity sweepstakes on the fundraising platform Fandiem that offered fans the ability to donate to win a slew of curated prizes from big-name talent and the best of Los Angeles-based brands. From a custom leather Zedd x BMW jacket, to a signed Pearl Jam concert poster, a curated merch package from Ariana Grande, a chance to play FIFA19 vs. Quinn XCII, and many more there was something exciting for everyone.
Poster Gallery
LA Gives Back has a legacy of iconic posters, each with art from Luke McGarry. Featuring the LAGB mascot Death Metal Santa in poses inspired by movie sequels, the images showcase the dynamics of the event powerfully. Additional posters have also been created by Matthew Goldmand and IHC founder Franki Chan.
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