Dogstar

Dogstar's History

Dogstar was an alternative rock band formed in 1991. Although the band received a lot of attention due to the celebrity status of bassist Keanu Reeves, Dogstar was more than just a Hollywood vanity project. They formed a unique sound and captivated listeners at live concerts around the world for nearly a decade.

The band was born out of a chance encounter in a supermarket between actor Keanu Reeves and Robert Mailhouse, a drummer and fellow actor. They discovered a mutual love for music and decided to form a band. Initially, Dogstar was composed of Reeves on bass, Mailhouse on drums, and Gregg Miller on vocals and guitar. The band's original line-up was later rounded up by Bret Domrose, who joined the band as an additional vocalist and guitarist in 1994.

Dogstar's live performances soon earned them a following in the Los Angeles area during the 1990s. Reeves, known for his roles in major movies such as “The Matrix” and “Speed,” brought a significant amount of attention to the band. However, Dogstar didn't rely solely on his star power. They were recognized for their alternative rock sound, mixing grunge, indie, and pop influences.

Dogstar performed at various concert events throughout the '90s, both domestically and internationally. They performed at notable venues and events such as the Troubadour in Hollywood, the Glastonbury Music Festival in England, and the 1996 Zwemdokrock Festival in Belgium. Significant demand for tickets to their live concerts led to performances in Japan and other parts of Asia, where the band enjoyed considerable popularity.

As Dogstar continued to gain momentum, in 1996, they released their debut EP, “Quattro Formaggi,” which was followed by two full-length albums, “Our Little Visionary” in 1996 and “Happy Ending” in 2000. The albums included popular songs like 'Honolulu,' 'Cornerstore' and 'Nobody Home'.

However, even as their music continued to mature, the band was consistently met with criticism, mainly due to the band's connection to Reeves. Critics often identified the band as a vanity project for the actor, overshadowing the band's musical efforts. Despite the criticism, Dogstar pressed on, continuing to create music and performing at live events.

Their concerts were often characterized by a relaxed, fun atmosphere, with all members of the band clearly enjoying themselves. Reeves, although a major movie star, was notably humble on stage, always reminding the audience that Dogstar was a collaborative effort, not a one-man show.

Despite the band's commitment, Dogstar eventually disbanded in 2002. Their live concert performances, although criticized by some, left a lasting impact on their fan base. The members went their separate ways, with Reeves continuing his successful acting career, and Mailhouse and Domrose going on to other music and acting endeavors.

Dogstar's history is a testament to the power of music and passion. Despite the challenges and criticisms they faced, the band continued to stay true to their love of music. Their live concerts were more than just gigs; they were events that showcased the band's musical talents and demonstrated their sheer joy for rock and roll. All in all, Dogstar's story serves as an interesting chapter in the history of live concert events and music-making.

More About Dogstar

One of the most popular live songs of Dogstar was arguably "Cornerstore". This song was a fan-favorite, and the band often opened their live concerts with it. During such performances, Keanu’s bass guitar skills along with the lead singer Bret Domrose's haunting vocals created an unforgettable experience. The catchy guitar riffs and the pulsing drum beats would get the crowd going, creating an energetic atmosphere that couldn't be replicated.

The song "Nobody Home" is another piece frequently featured in their live events. This soulful track often had a profound impact on the audience, leaving them hooked to every word, every beat. When performed live, the raw emotions behind the lyrics shone through, making it a unique experience that reached out and touched the hearts of everyone present.

"Honesty Anyway" was also a Dogstar classic often played live. The song had a magical power to instantly connect with the audience. The lyrics, drenched with sincerity and introspection, took on an even deeper meaning when performed live. With the electric energy of the band members pulsing through the venue, it wasn't long before the audience was lost in the rhythmic melody and profound lyrics.

Possibly the most awaited song in every Dogstar concert was "Superstar". Known for its high energy chorus and unique sound, the song took on a life of its own in a live setting. The frantic energy of the song, coupled with the band’s dynamic performance, often left the crowd in a state of frenzy. The raucous cheers and applause that followed every performance of this song were a testament to its popularity among the fans.

Securing tickets for these live events was a significant task for any fan. Being able to witness the band's magic in person was a coveted experience. Fans would line up for hours, sometimes even days, to ensure that they got a chance to see Dogstar live in concert. The overwhelming longing for these tickets revealed just how much the fans adored and idolized this band.

Dogstar's live performances were always a demonstration of their powerful stage presence, their passion for music, and the incredible bond they all shared. They brought their songs to life in a way that resonated with their audience, making their concerts an unforgettable experience. As such, their most popular live songs will remain etched in the hearts of their fans forever, a tribute to the band that once was.