DOGSTAR LIVE!! | RITZ MUSIC VENUE
Coverage by Chris Sturk
We got the incredible opportunity to cover a legendary indie rock band who have been a staple in the underground alternative rock scene for around 30+ years. The band was founded in 1991 by members Robert Mailhouse (drums) and Keanu Reeves (bass guitar) with lead guitarist and lead singer Bret Domrose coming on in 1994. The band toured throughout the 90’s opening for such legendary acts as the one and only, David Bowie. The band toured and performed together until 2002 when band parted ways and members went on to other projects in music and acting with Keanu Reeves being the most recognized member of the band due to his acting in global box office film franchises the Matrix and John Wick series. The band has released three albums over their long musical career with the most recent album coming out in 2023 called “Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees”. The band announced they were back together and are now currently on tour hitting different venues around the U.S.
I knew of the band Dogstar when I was in high school because I had read that actor Keanu Reeves was in a band. I knew who Keanu Reeves was due to his lead role in the movie “Speed” with Sandra Bullock which came out in 1994 and was a huge blockbuster action movie. When the band released their first album called, “Our little visionary” in 1996 I remember people telling me that it was not that great of a record, but I honestly did not think it was bad at all. I thought it fit perfectly in the style of alternative rock being made at the time, so I never understood what all the hate was about. During the 90’s I never got the chance to see Dogstar perform live and after they spilt in 2002, I assumed I would never have a chance to see them perform until, to my surprise, it was announced that they would be making a tour stop in Raleigh NC at the Ritz.
The band sounded great during their performance with lead guitarist and singer Bret Domrose putting on a good vocal performance. The show had a very relaxed and chilled out energy with each band member not moving around much and really staying in one spot throughout their performance. The band as a whole sounded really good and the fans were enjoying each song performed. I was happy I got to see Dogstar perform live, and it was something I will never forget. Ok, let’s notice the big elephant in the room. Yes, I get it, its Keanu Reeves playing bass, one of the biggest movie stars in the world performing live and a lot of people may go to see Dogstar because his name is attached to the band, and trust me, it is exciting to him on stage. I get it, but you also have to remember that this a band, not a singular member but a trio of friends who enjoy playing music with each other. I can confidently say that I think Keanu Reeves knows he is a piece of the puzzle that makes up the band Dogstar, you can see he enjoys playing with his friends and wants to make sure they are all appreciated for their talents and contributions to the music they create together. So, yes, I get what you're saying but the band as a whole is actually very good, and they should get far more credit than they do for the music they write regardless of their famous bass player.
I really enjoyed listening and seeing them perform. Some of my favorite songs from the band are, “Breath Tonight”, “Sunrise”, “Forgive”, “Blonde” and “Everything Turns Around”.
