Keanu Reeves and co. prove substance still trumps spectacle as Dogstar deliver a heartfelt, no-frills masterclass in honest rock’n’roll at one of London’s most iconic venues.

Words & photos by James Crisp (@james_taking_pictures) | Jun 18, 2026

---

In a world that is completely obsessed with giant screens, flashy over-the-top visuals and enough production to power a medium-sized town, Dogstar’s show at London’s Roundhouse was a welcome reminder that sometimes all you need is a few good songs and a band that quite clearly loves playing them.

Formed way back in the early ’90s by bassist Keanu Reeves and drummer Robert Mailhouse, before guitarist and vocalist Bret Domrose completed the line-up, Dogstar spent much of the decade building a bit of a cult following before splitting in 2002. Their reunion could have easily felt like a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but judging by tonight, this second chapter feels oh so very real indeed.

From the start, there was a relaxed confidence about the trio. No ridiculous rock star posing, no overblown theatrics, just three fellas getting on with the job at hand. Domrose was the focal point throughout the show, delivering the band’s blend of alternative and melodic rock with warmth and ease. At the same time, Mailhouse kept everything ticking along behind the kit and Reeves was living in that low-end pocket perfectly.

The setlist was, unsurprisingly, heavily focused on the band’s recent material, with tracks such as Siren, The Whisper and What Is forming the backbone of the evening. Elsewhere, Glimmer, How The Story Ends and Everything Turns Around landed particularly well, showcasing the band’s knack for crafting melodic, heartfelt rock songs that sound even bigger in a live setting. Rather than feeling like a band trading on past glories, Dogstar came across as a group with plenty to say in the present, and the newer material more than justified its prominent place in the set.

Obviously, I will mention the elephant in the room/review. Of course, there was plenty of love in the room for Mr Keanu Reeves. Every time he stepped forward, the crowd erupted, but honestly to the band’s credit, the evening never became all about Reeves whatsoever. He looked perfectly happy locking into the groove and letting the music do the talking, while the band’s chemistry remained the real star of the show.

What really stood out was the sheer joy radiating from the stage. Playing one of London’s most iconic venues, the band looked genuinely thrilled to be there. Whether it was the smiles exchanged between songs or a bit of close-quarter jamming, the appreciative glances around the famous circular room or the obvious camaraderie between all three members, this felt like a band fully embracing the moment. That enthusiasm was infectious, feeding directly into the crowd and creating the kind of atmosphere you can’t just fake.

The show itself was refreshingly stripped-back. As I said earlier, there were no elaborate backdrops, no distracting visuals and no insane light show fighting for attention. The focus stayed exactly where it should be, on the songs. In the stunning surroundings of the Roundhouse, that approach worked perfectly. Dogstar didn’t need a spectacle. The venue and the music absolutely provided all the atmosphere required.

Dogstar aren’t trying to reinvent rock music, and that’s part of their appeal I guess. Their songs are built on solid melodies, big choruses and genuine chemistry rather than Hollywood gimmicks. It’s straightforward, honest good old-fashioned rock and roll delivered by a band that clearly loves what they’re doing.

As the final notes rang out, you were left with the feeling that you’d watched something refreshingly uncomplicated. No spectacle. No excess. Just a really good rock band enjoying every second of playing a legendary venue.

And sometimes that’s all you want and need.