In a recent interview with American Songwriter, Keanu Reeves discussed the reunion of his rock band Dogstar.
Dogstar, active mainly in the 90s and early 2000s, has made a comeback, attracting attention from both long-time followers and new listeners. This revival has highlighted a lesser-known side of Reeves’ career, showcasing his involvement in the music industry alongside his well-established acting career. Reeves says:
“We’re basically playing our album, not in the same order but it does start with ‘Blonde’ and finish on ‘Breach’ like the album. I’m getting to play live the journey of the music, and share that with the audience. It’s cool to see how they respond to our concert—sitting forward, sitting back listening—and what they’re connecting to more.”
A Live Experience Like No Other
Dogstar’s return to the stage goes beyond performing their past hits; it’s about delivering a live experience that brings fans closer to the band’s core sound. In his discussion, Keanu Reeves highlighted the band’s focus on the energy and directness of their live performances. Playing their album live, according to Reeves, is about offering fans the opportunity to connect with the music closely and in real time.
Reeves continued:
“They can feel Robert playing harmonica, or Bret’s leads on ‘Glimmer’ and ‘Overhang.’ We’re literally playing the album, and we’re doing that in the present as opposed to 20 years later. It’s the album that’s out now [that] we’re playing,’ and it’s fun to literally be in the moment of all of that creativity and time that we all spent writing, recording, and being on the road. You’re literally getting to have a reaction with the audience as if they’re listening to the record.”
An Unanticipated Reunion
Dogstar’s comeback was not planned. After the band broke up, Reeves, Bret Domrose, and Rob Mailhouse mostly pursued their separate careers. However, during the 2021 premiere of Reeves’ movie ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ in San Francisco, the three unexpectedly met again. This casual meeting quickly led to them making music together once more, resulting in their third album, ‘Somewhere Between The Power Lines and Palm Trees,’ released 23 years after they originally parted ways.
The Supernatural Touch
Bret Domrose, the singer and guitarist of Dogstar, expressed his bewilderment at how effortlessly the band slipped back into their creative synergy. He said:
“It wasn’t some big plan, like ‘Let’s just try and see if we can still write songs. I guess it was the right place and the right time. I’m telling you, there’s some supernatural shit going around this album that I’ve never seen.”
The seemingly mystical reformation of Dogstar and the creation of their new album has been a journey marked by serendipity and an inexplicable confluence of creativity.
From The Big Screen To The Music Scene
Keanu Reeves has balanced a career in both acting and music. Before becoming a household name through major films like ‘The Matrix’ and ‘Speed’, he was already a part of the music band Dogstar, playing the bass. His acting career took off, but he never fully stepped away from music, remaining an active member of the band. The recent resurgence of Dogstar highlights Reeves’ continued dedication to music alongside his well-established acting career, showcasing his capability in both fields.
As Dogstar continues to bask in the renewed attention and enthusiasm from fans, it’s clear that Keanu Reeves’ ‘rock side’ is much more than a mere footnote in his storied career. It’s a vibrant, pulsating part of his artistic identity that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
