Robin Zander of Cheap Trick performs with supergroup Kings of Chaos at the "Rock for Responders" concert at the USS Iowa in San Pedro, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. "Rock for Responders" was held to raise funds through the Pacific Battleship Center to support disaster efforts across Los Angeles and to honor first responders. (Lisa Whitmore | The Corsair)

On Thursday, Feb. 27, rock group Kings of Chaos banded together at the Battleship USS IOWA located at the Port of Los Angeles to put on a performance for Los Angeles first responders. Even with flashing lights and guitar shredding, it was apparent that everyone there had one mission: to remind the community that first responders put their lives on the line each and every day.

Steve Stevens, guitarist for Billy Idol, performs "Top Gun Anthem" during the air show at the "Rock for Responders" concert at the USS Iowa in San Pedro, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. "Rock for Responders" was held to raise funds through the Pacific Battleship Center to support disaster efforts across Los Angeles and to honor first responders. (Lisa Whitmore | The Corsair)

U.S. Air Force veteran and master of ceremonies BJ Lange got the energy flowing by inviting first responders up on stage to shred some air guitar to “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by rock band Guns N’ Roses and then by introducing the guitarist for Billy Idol, Steve Stevens. Stevens took the stage as the sun was setting and performed the Grammy-winning “Top Gun Anthem,” all while a flyover was conducted above the grounds. The crowd lifted from their chairs, fixating their eyes on the sky and spinning in circles as they watched the planes twist and turn up above.

The flyover was followed by a performance from the Changels, a choir group from the Adopt The Arts Foundation, founded by Matt Sorum who rocked heavily in bands such as Guns N’ Rose, Velvet Revolver, and the Cult.

Jonathan Williams, the CEO of Battleship IOWA, National Museum of the Surface Navy and L.A. Fleet Week, had the idea to put on Rock for Responders back in the second week of January. When he received a call from friends in Iowa, they said to Willaims, “Hey, I want to do something to support the first responders.” Williams jumped aboard the idea and contacted his friends from L.A. Fleet Week to talk further about a concert honoring and supporting said responders.

Troy High School Color Guard of Fullerton, Calif presents the National Anthem at the "Rock for Responders" concert at the USS Iowa in San Pedro, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. "Rock for Responders" was held to raise funds through the Pacific Battleship Center to support disaster efforts across Los Angeles and to honor first responders. (Lisa Whitmore | The Corsair)

DJ Morty Coyle mixes classic rock for the crowd at the "Rock for Responders" concert at the USS Iowa in San Pedro, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. "Rock for Responders" was held to raise funds through the Pacific Battleship Center to support disaster efforts across Los Angeles and to honor first responders. (Lisa Whitmore | The Corsair)

Carmine Rojas (left) bassist for David Bowie and Phil X of Bon Jovi (right) perform with supergroup Kings of Chaos at the "Rock for Responders" concert at the USS Iowa in San Pedro, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. "Rock for Responders" was held to raise funds through the Pacific Battleship Center to support disaster efforts across Los Angeles and to honor first responders. (Lisa Whitmore | The Corsair)

“We called some other friends and we put it together!” Williams said. Williams is unsure if the concert will be the first of many as he usually goes with the flow. He proudly says his whole team is similar. “It may turn out to be something worthwhile,” he said. Williams put together the L.A. Disaster Recovery and Resilience Collective (LADRRC), which is where all the donations from Rock for Responders will be headed.

After the short conversation with Williams, the crowd moved towards the barricades to prepare for Kings of Chaos to start. Individual artists each had their moment to shine while being backed by Sorum on drums and Carmine Rojas, who played bass for David Bowie. Orianthi, guitarist for Alice Cooper and formerly Michael Jackson, dominated the stage, as she stood front and center to play “Pride and Joy”, originally performed by Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Orianthi set the mood for the whole night with her stage presence and performance. Once she departed the red and blue flashing lights of the stage, her vibrancy left the crowd with smiles on their faces.

Orianthi, guitarist for Alice Cooper, kicks off the evening with supergroup Kings of Chaos at the "Rock for Responders" concert at the USS Iowa in San Pedro, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. "Rock for Responders" was held to raise funds through the Pacific Battleship Center to support disaster efforts across Los Angeles and to honor first responders. (Lisa Whitmore | The Corsair)

Glenn Hughs of Deep Purple performs with supergroup Kings of Chaos at the "Rock for Responders" concert at the USS Iowa in San Pedro, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. "Rock for Responders" was held to raise funds through the Pacific Battleship Center to support disaster efforts across Los Angeles and to honor first responders. (Lisa Whitmore | The Corsair)

Robin Zander, singer of Cheap Trick, honors Los Angeles Fire Department Captain II Tammy Chick upon her retirement after 32 years of service with LAFD at the "Rock for Responders" concert at the USS Iowa in San Pedro, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. "Rock for Responders" was held to raise funds through the Pacific Battleship Center to support disaster efforts across Los Angeles and to honor first responders. (Lisa Whitmore | The Corsair)

Following Orianthi’s performance, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple was joined by Stevens; Phil X, guitarist for Bon Jovi; and Paul Trudeau, keyboardist and guitarist for Billy Idol. The crowd erupted upon hearing the riff from “Smoke on the Water.” Robin Zander, vocalist of Cheap Trick, soon took the stage to perform “Surrender” and “Dream Police,” continuing to amp up the crowd's excitement by encouraging the crowd to sing and shout along with him. Kevin Cronin, vocalist of REO Speedwagon, took over the stage after Zander’s performance ended. Cronin beamed back at his bandmates while saying how excited he was to share the stage with the other musicians.

Finally, rocker Sammy Hagar strode onto the stage where the sea of people roared as they all stood from their seats. The stage lights revealed the crowd, which was filled with people dancing and singing along to Hagar's set.

Samy Hagar closes out the evening with supergroup Kings of Chaos at the "Rock for Responders" concert at the USS Iowa in San Pedro, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. "Rock for Responders" was held to raise funds through the Pacific Battleship Center to support disaster efforts across Los Angeles and to honor first responders. (Lisa Whitmore | The Corsair)

Rock for Responders pulled in a crowd of people in support of L.A.’s first responders, while also enjoying the Kings of Chaos. The Battleship USS IOWA is beloved by its community and a respectable venue for people to show their appreciation for first responders and enjoy a night jam packed with rock n’ roll.

The USS Iowa, commissioned in 1939, was the backdrop at the "Rock for Responders" concert in San Pedro, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. "Rock for Responders" was held to raise funds through the Pacific Battleship Center to support disaster efforts across Los Angeles and to honor first responders. (Lisa Whitmore | The Corsair)

“You just realize how powerful it is to have something like this in our community,” said Bruce D.D. MacRae, Chairman of the President’s Advisory Board for the Battleship IOWA, reflecting on the ship and its importance to veterans.

In reference to the concert, MacRae said that the thousands of people who showed up to Rock For Responders were there to donate their time. “This isn't something that we have to pay. That's all going back. It’s a good thing,” MacRae said.

Rockin’ out with first responders