Chance encounters seem to define actor Keanu Reeves -- who is celebrating his 57th birthday today, September 2. Whether in his role as Neo in the Matrix, or the brutal revenge he brought about as John Wick, he always happens to be in the right place at the right time. OK, "right" may be the wrong word.
Listen to your favorite music now on Audacy and check out our all-new exclusive stations curated for fans, by fans
Either way, stumbling upon a fellow hockey fan in a supermarket in 1991 brought about a whole other side of the celebrity. After finding out that they not only shared a love of the sport, but music as well, drummer Robert Mailhouse and Reeves became friends and began jamming together with Keanu on bass. Fast forward to 1994 and the addition of their original singer/guitarist Gregg Miller, an actual band was formed. Say "hello" to Dogstar.
Joined by additional vocalist and guitarist Bret Domrose in 1994 Dogstar hit the road in the U.S. and Asia, finding themselves sharing the stage with David Bowie in 1995 at the Hollywood Palladium, and Bon Jovi on their 1995 These Days - Crossroads Tour in Australia and New Zealand, with Miller leaving the band at the tour’s conclusion.
Keanu had already been well established on-screen throughout the tenure of Dogstar, getting his start on television in the mid-'80s in bit roles and advertisements. Reeves hit his first peak around the same time Dogstar got started, having performed brilliant roles as Ted 'Theodore' Logan in two Bill & Ted's flicks, the lovably bumbling Marlon in I Love You To Death, Johnny Utah in Point Break, and Scott Favor in My Own Private Idaho.
While Keanu's movie stardom likely helped the band book important shows like those with Bowie and Bon Jovi, and late-night television appearances, but the band was as solid as they come, and deserve more than just an over-the-shoulder listen. Plus, it's Neo's birthday today... throw him a bone, huh? He saved the human race for goodness sake.
Check out a whole lot more Dogstar right HERE.
Listen to more of your favorite music on Audacy's '80s Underground, New Wave Mix Tape, '90s and Chill, and ALT Roots exclusive stations -- plus check out our talent-hosted Megan Holiday's My So Called '90s Playlist and Scott Lowe on the Go's Post Modern Music Box!
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram