Keanu's gigging days are behind him (*sniffle*), but check out Dogstar's production rider from SmokingGun.com. (via defamer)

It doesn't look too terribly demanding, considering it was for the whole band and crew. I'll bet I know who that Cabernet is for, though.

I wonder why they needed that many towels?

Let's have a Bass Friday.

Here's a live clip of Flowers, an unreleased Dogstar tune. Reeves goes off on his own at the end, it's fun.

If you've seen "Larry", you might know why the sight of Keanu playing a red Fender bass just thrills me to no end.

Sigh....

This is just what I needed to jumpstart my busy bassplaying weekend. The Vibemerchants are getting together every day from now to Sunday, to learn some new songs, jam with some new friends and hopefully get some recording done.

Rawk.

Also, there are some Dogstar photos over at KeanuFan.com's gallery of him playing a nice white Fender as well.

Cute bit of Keanu content from a Scotland on Sunday article about the T in the Park music festival in Glasgow:

The buzz backstage is electric, she says. "It’s like a rock star social club, everyone swapping touring stories and catching up with people they haven’t seen for ages. It’s a constant stream of limos and tour buses."

But not everyone arrives in rock star transport. "Keanu Reeves turned up a couple of years ago on the shuttle bus with all the festival goers. I had this call from the gate saying, ‘There’s a guy here says he’s one of the artists’. We went down, quite curious, and there was Keanu Reeves and his band, Dogstar." Apparently no one on the bus had recognised him - or they hadn’t let on. "He was quite content sitting on the bus, reading his paper and soaking up the atmosphere."

KeanuFan.com has added a whole slew of Dogstar photos to the gallery, go check it out.

(via club-keanu)

Also check out KeanuFan's cool caption contest.

Most of us are aware that Dogstaronline.com, the official website is no more. I'm not even making that a live link because it's just too depressing and I don't even know if it's forwarding to a bunch of pop-up ads or what these days.

What some of you may not know is that you can still look up those lyrics, read old newsletters and band bios and see some of the pictures by using The Wayback Machine, aka archive.org.

If you're feeling nostalgic for the Dog old days, go take a look around. You can even go back to that ugly puke green version they had for a while.

History Light - by Dogstar

I am so blind tonight from the history light
Everything that's ever happened to me
Is in my head tonight
It's kinda nice not to see another sight
'Til I rest awhile
And all I need is sleep
Rest awhile - sleep - like a child
Sleep - rest awhile - sleep
I am so high tonight from the history light
Everything that's ever been said to me
Is in my head tonight
It's kinda nice not to hear another sound
'Til I rest awhile
And all I need is sleep
Rest awhile - sleep - like a child
Sleep - rest awhile - sleep
I am so blind tonight from the history light
Everything that's ever happened to me
Is in my head tonight
It's kinda nice not to see another sight
'Til I rest awhile
And all I need is sleep
Rest awhile - sleep - like a child
Sleep - rest awhile - sleep

I haven't changed much about keanuvision (besides just adding to it) but you can check it out from the beginning as well. The wayback to my old blogspot blog is kind of interesting...

Thank you to Rhonda for sending me a link to Brandon's site that has a bunch of great bass tab, including most of Dogstar's Our Little Visionary.

My teacher really doesn't like me using tablature, but I have yet to find Dogstar sheet music so I'm really happy to see these.

One of the songs that I'd really like to be able to play is Denial. I don't know if I'll ever be able to do the run like Keanu does, he's got those big fast strong hands, but it'll be fun to try.

Denial - tabbed by Brandon

verse#1 (rep x2)   verse#2 (rep x2)
G---------------|-------------------|
D---------------|-------------------|
A------00000000-|-33333333----------|
E---------------|-------------------|

verse#1 (rep x2), verse#2 (rep x1)

verse#3 (rep x1)

G---------------|

D--23532--------|

A--------53-----|

E---------------|

Chorus (rep x1)

G--------|-------|-------|-------|

D--------|-------|-------|-------|

A--0-0-0-|-------|-------|-5--5--|

E--------|-3-3-3-|-1-1-1-|--5--5-|

verse#1 (rep x2), verse#2 (rep x2), verse#1 (rep x2),

verse#2 (rep x1), verse#3 (rep x1), chorus (rep x1),

bass and drums: verse#1 (rep x2), verse#2 (rep x2), 

verse#1 (rep x2), verse#2 (rep x1), verse#3 (rep x1),

verse#1 (rep x2)

verse#4 (rep x2)  verse#5 (rep x1)

G---------------|-------------------|

D---------------|-------------------|

A------22222222-|-55555555----------|

E---------------|-------------------|

verse#6 (rep x1)

G---------------|

D---------------|

A--45754--------|

E--------75-----|

verse#4 (rep x2), verse#5 (rep x1), verse#6 (rep x1)

chorus#2 (rep x1)

G--------|-------|-------|-------|

D--------|-------|-------|-2--2--|

A--2-2-2-|-0-0-0-|-------|--2--2-|

E--------|-------|-3-3-3-|-------|

verse#4 (rep x2), verse#5 (rep x1), verse#6 (rep x1),

verse#4 (rep x2), verse#5 (rep x1), verse#6 (rep x1),

chorus#2 (rep x4)

Bret and his "just for fun" cover band will be playing a gig in the LA area on Sunday, April 18.

Details developing, more later......

Wonderful fan and friend Petra, came across some great Dogstar clips from the EAT'M (Emerging Artists and Technology in Music) Festival in 1999.

Since these are large files, once again they are in a password protected directory, and will only be available for a short time. Here's what you need to access them:

There are three live performance music clips, one being an unreleased song called Too Late (2.85MB)
Also, there's Halo (4.08MB), from the Happy Ending CD.
Plus there's an early version of Cornerstore (3.73MB), which is sort of cool to compare to the one that we're familiar with.

There's also an interview clip (5.29MB) with the whole band, Keanu's adorable ("My fellows" *swoon*), Bret's charming and Rob's quite funny as usual...and if you haven't heard where the name of the band came from, Rob answers that question.

Please right click the links and save the real media files, rather than streaming.
Also do not link directly to these files from another site.

It's all about the bass, now.
I've got to get my Reeves on today. I've got the Australian wine and the coffee cup. I just need the groove.
Vibemechants are scheduled to record today and I still suck, in fact I seem to be getting WORSE if that's possible. It's because they took away my pick, I just know it. If you'll notice the new pics on the sidebar, you'll see Reeves playing with his fingers. They're there for a reason. Inspire me, thumper.

I think this spring is going to be all about the bass for Keanu as well. As far as I know, he's not due to start filming anything new for a bit so hopefully there will be some more becky dates in the next couple months, *cough*cometoVegas*cough*. And I plan on making a few of them, just to watch him play and check out his gear. I never bothered to really look closely before. In the past, I watched his hands move but I just followed their motion without really registering where they were landing. Of course, his face. It's really hard NOT to focus on the expressions he makes.

But next time, I'm not so much going to watch HIM play bass as I'm going to watch him PLAY BASS.

This picture is from one of Dogstar's summer shows in 2001, probably Summerfest. Below is a live track from that show.

I miss the way you smell
I miss the time we had
I pushed it to the end
I threw myself down again

I miss the light I miss the day
I'm on the ground I'm blown away
In a world that's gone I need another day
Blown away

I miss the way you stayed
I will return there someday
I pushed it to the end
I threw myself down again

I miss the light I miss the day
I'm on the ground I'm blown away
In a world that's gone I need another day
Blown away

Dogstar- Blown Away, live at Summerfest 2001

Now, I've got to get MY bass in gear and go rock out.

Have a great day!
\m/

Walls

got my head up to the wall
be my crutch so I don't fall
tonight I swam in alcohol
just got tired of it all

standing by me watching guard
for all the times that were so hard
I miss the flowers in your yard
I miss everything you are

don't hang up please take my call
we all get lonely after all
make me beg I want to crawl
I want you up against my wall

falling deeper into night
I raise my fists and start to fight
don't want to drown in alcohol
because I almost had it all

don't hang up please take my call
we all get lonely after all
make me beg I want to crawl
I want you up against my wall

- Bret Domrose

This whole Dogstar thing has been handled very badly.

(link removed because the message has been deleted)

I have about twenty minutes before I have to leave for the airport to pick up Tess. We're driving to Solana Beach in the morning to go see becky tomorrow night. Sunday we are going to catch the Suburban Legends guys at the Pier in Oceanside. It's going to be a fun weekend. I'm not going to let the Dogstar site setback get me down, even though the nostalgia will be compounded since Tess and I will be together. Our friendship was borne out of a love for and desire to see that band. We saw our first show together, we went to the Avi (Dogstar's last stateside show) together.

But we've seen becky together a few times, too and tomorrow will be another memory to create and cherish and relive in phone calls and emails and private jokes forever.

It's time for something new and it's gonna be alright with me.

I'm bummed about the end of the Dogstar thing, but it's not like someone died.
It's not like there will be no more music. In fact, once Bret releases his solo CD and tours to support it, there will be even more music and trips and good times with good friends, old and new.

And the important part is that there is music being made, and as a fan of Keanu's, I'm happy that he is playing and enjoying himself.

Rock on Keanu.
Rock on Bret.
Rock on Robert and Rebecca.
Rock on Paulie.

Rock on Dogstar Fans.
Rock on becky fans.

Rock.

Dogstaronline.com to be no more.

...sigh...

-expect the domain to begin forwarding to porn in April 2004. (Not if I can help it, actually)

-It's still not completely "official" that the guys will never play together again....oh screw it, why keep kidding myself?

-Bret better get his ass in gear and release that CD and do some shows. I fucking miss you, dude.

-I consider myself very fortunate to have seen them several times.

-I'm not changing my license plate.

-FUCK! *sobs*

-Some of my favorite songs were the newest unreleased ones. I can't believe that so many will never get the chance to hear them.

-I hope that their friendships will last forever, even if the band does not.

-I'm going to assume that "hibernation" has just naturally lapsed into a terminal coma through no fault of anyone and that Keanu is not a big fat liar, even though he said that Dogstar wasn't done this June because as far as he knew at that time, it was not.

-I really need to believe that last thing.

To download the mp3 files of Bret's radio interview from August 21, 2003 - KLAV 1230 AM radio - Las Vegas:
Please right click and save each file below to your own hard drive


PART 1 -5.22MB

PART 2 - 4.64MB

PART 3 - 5.04MB

PART 4 - 5.80MB

I will be posting the link this entry in the DogstarFans and Bret egroups and on the Dogstar Message Board. If you would like to spread the word to other fans that might want to hear this, that's fine, but please link to the entry, NOT directly to the files. And again PLEASE DO NOT STREAM the audio, right click the link and save it to your hard drive.

Kat has all three Dogstar CDs up for auction, so if your looking to have an instant collection or want to have spare copies (because at some point these aren't going be be around anymore) check it out. I know that OLV alone has gone for close to twenty bucks recently on the 'bay.

She's also got some other CDs, quite a few videos and some PC games up there at cheap start prices, so please bid if you have an interest in anything because you'd be helping her out.

From the DMB

"Hi Everyone,

Sorry about being MIA for so long. I have an immediate update if you are in the Las Vegas area, you can catch Bret on KLAV 1230 as he is going to be doing a spot for a company called Ad Tab which he has an endorsement deal (Keanu is originally suppose to be included in the deal also but will not be calling in to the station). It is for the Tabs on the guitar parts of songs which I know so many of you have been asking about. If you can't pick up Vegas radio you can tune in live at:

www.klav1230am.com and listen in.

He will be on between 10pm and 11pm pacific time (1am to 2am on the east coast). I don't know if they are taking callers or not, but at least you can listen in to what they say.

I'm sorry I don't have anything else to report right now, but I know a certain guitar player is in the works of possibly starting his own record label and might be taking his solo show on the road. I have no current news on the status of DogStar at this time.

Hope you are all well.

Jem "

I've got the radio on right now, I'm so glad I checked that board tonight.

--
Update: Bret hasn't been on yet, the show is a couple of guys playing local/indy rock with some harsh irreverant commentary. Funny! I may call in and harrass them try and talk to Bret.

--Another update 10:25pm: They are talking to Bret right now about Dogstar, and will play a song (Cornerstore)

--YET Another update:
I just talked to Bret on the radio.
I'm a big dork.
They (the radio guys, not Bret) called me a stalker because of my license plate.

OK, so it's been two years since Dogstar has played in the states. I know that I have seen Bret play since then, and I've seen Keanu and Rob with becky but it's just not the same.

I want the three of them. Together. And I want my closest friends there with me, the ones that have been there and the new ones I've made.
I want the new fans that have not seen Bret to see the soul that he has. I want to hear the new stuff, I want to hear the old. I even want to hear Denial, even though it's usually the last song of the night because it'd mean I'd heard everything before it. I hope that we won't have to wait another two years to see the three of them together on stage again. I hope they know how many fans are still hanging in there, waiting for the word and ready for a road trip.

If I wake I only want
To dream again
Where everything is beautiful
And new again
When I sleep I always
Have a happy end
Lying with the lions
I'm so lazy and I'm loving it

I will not run I will not hide
When dreams and real life collide
I'm on the ground I'm taking fire
But I'll be sleeping sweet tonight

You can spread your words
Around me full of lies
You can paint a picture of me
In their eyes
You can burn my castle down
But realize
When you go to sleep tonight
I'll meet you on the other side

I will not run I will not hide
I will make you swallow all my pride
I will not aim and open fire
I'll be sleeping sweet tonight
Oh everything's so good
Everything's so good

A DREAMTIME

hear it live (right click, save as, you know the drill)

I won't go on about how much I miss Dogstar and hope they get their asses together soon.

But, so you can miss them along with me,
here's Dogstar live, covering The Ramones "I Wanna Live".
[PLEASE- right click and save to your hard drive, don't stream]

I've been thinking it over
And I know just what to do
I've been thinking it over
And I know I just can't trust myself
I'm a Gypsy prince
Covered with diamonds and jewels
But then my lover exposes me
I know I'm just a damn fool

CHORUS:
I give what I've got to give,
I give what I need to live
I give what I've got to give, it's important if I want to live
I wanna live
I want to live my life
I wanna live
I want to live my life

As I load my pistol
Of fine German steel
I never thought I'd be so down and out
Having my last meal
But I know I can do it
It just took a few years
As I execute my killers
The morning is near

I give what I've got to give,
I give what I need to live
I give what I've got to give, it's important if I want to live
I wanna live
I want to live my life
I wanna live
I want to live my life

-The Ramones

--This post is dedicated to skits, thank you for upgrading me!

A bit back, Margarete of POTD sent out this little piece from a Scottish newspaper back in '96 along with a picture*...

Keanu Reeves caused a panic when his group Dogstar played the NME Stage in 1996. We couldn't find him - he'd decided to travel to the site at Strathclyde Park on a bus from Glasgow. He wanted to get away from the whole star trip and mix with the fans. I got a call from security saying: "We've got a guy here who says he's Keanu Reeves." I went down to the gate to check it out - and it was him.

Then the caterers forgot to include a bottle of Jack Daniels in Dogstar's dressing room. The group had a pre-show ritual where they'd stand in a circle, take a swig of Jack Daniels and toast to a good gig. Keanu asked for some Scotch whisky instead so I got them a bottle of 17- year-old Ardbeg malt. They tried to down it in one but it was so strong they spat it back out.

I hear Reeves drinks The Macallan these days.

I can't handle my Scotch. Last time I drank Scotch, I think I went to a soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend's doorstep with all the cassettes he ever made me and sat there pulling the tape out of each until he came home with some girl. I think her name was Heather. I've never met a Heather that didn't try to fuck my boyfriend so even if her name wasn't Heather she was a Heather.

No offense to any Heathers by name that might be reading. Just stay away from my boyfriends.

I think I may have made a scene. I really can't recall.
I do know I swore off both Scotch and men for a while.

*I'm including a different picture because I'm not sure if the tennis ball is photoshopped in or not, but either way, it makes me wince.

Thanks to club-keanu for the heads up on this post by Tresses at the DMB that says that Keanu and Bret will be appearing on a Mr. Big (who I have never heard of) tribute album "...very unique project in which Mr. Big classic songs have been revisited, featuring all star vocalists and guest musicians as well as the band members themselves."

Oh, in case you are wondering, Keanu is in Paris working on that Meyers thing (oh look, his character has a name: Julian. You may recall that he also played a Julian in Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, which was of course...the Worst Movie Ever....I'm just sayin'). He's also going to movie premieres and having lunch. Pics and links to pics can be found at Club-Keanu and Keanuholic.

Also, according to Lou Taylor Pucci's news page, Keanu will be arriving in Beaverton! toward the end of the month to work on Thumbsucker (why hasn't this movies IMDB page been updated?).

Is it a crime to Feel the way you want to feel If it feels good inside If they tell you Nothing's easy It's because they haven't tried She looks behind her And she sees everything She shouldn't have to see Or want to see again Understand me Feel the way that I do And you will be alright Understand me and reach out to What is right in front And waiting there for you-tonight She looks behind her And she sees everything She shouldn't have to see Or want to see again She looks behind her And she sees al the things That keep her from being again Is it a crime to feel The way you want to feel If it feels bad inside Understand me Feel the way that I do And you will be alive Tonight She looks behind her And she sees everything She shouldn't have to see Or want to see again She looks behind her And she sees all the things That keep her from being again-tonight

---BEHIND HER from the Quattro Formaggi CD
written by Bret Domrose

This reminds me, I still have some Quattro Formaggi CDs to give away.

SO, to celebrate this Ass Friday, the first three people that leave a comment with the words "YES, I want a QF CD." in it (so I don't get confused) and a VALID email address* (so I can contact you for your info) will get a FREE Quattro Formaggi CD from me.

How easy is that?

*Remember, if you put something in the URL box you can keep your email from showing on the site, but I will still get it, so if you want to keep your addy private, that's what you should do.

This week, I got to do the Daily Dogstar pics for the DogstarFans eGroup, so I did a couple of mock magazine covers featuring the boys of Dogstar.

I thought this one turned out really good so I thought I'd share it here as well.

And here's Bret's [click for pop-up pic] and Rob's [ditto]

Be careful when you walk along
The edge of the water
Be careful you don't slip
And lose yourself
Cuz I don't think you can swim
I know that you can't swim
You're drowning from within

Be careful you're not
Listening too much
Be careful not to try
And see what you can't touch
Cuz I don't think you can dream
Of things as they shoud be
You're dying from within

~Written by Bret Domrose, Rob Mailhouse, and Keanu Reeves

Thanks to Jem for posting a little insight on the DMB.

Jilly pretty much sums it up.
I just want to crawl into a bed called good memories, listen to beautiful music and radiate under the covers.

WASHINGTON
Written by Bret Domrose

I feel something near
Is it misery or fear
It's a mystery unclear
What am I doing here

A breeze upon my face
Smells sweet as your embrace
A smile across my face
As I think about that place

And I feel like I know
What's going on
Like roses reach to
Kiss the morning dawn
I'm Washington tonight
And all is calm
I'm coming home to you
We're moving on

We rode upon a town
People all around
It's a good place to lay down
And I dream about you now

Holding pictures near
I think of you my dear
My body knows no fear
What am I doing here

Speaking of bands, this sort of sucks.

edited to add: "sort of sucks" just meant it looked like those of us that were waiting for news of a show or something would be waiting some more. It isn't good news, but it certainly didn't come off (to me, anyway) as heralding the demise of this band.

Good grief, I need a Dogstar fix. I whined way back in December of 2001 that it was time for a show and now it's been 19 months? It's critical, I tell you. Thankfully Bret had a couple solo shows last year to quell my cravings but I'd sure like to see the whole band play again, soon.

And yes, I would even break my 500 mile rule (though not my 'flying over the ocean' one) to see them.

Of course, it would be even better if they would just come to Vegas and see me play a gig.

According to a link found by Keanugirl at the DMB it costs a cool
15 grand to book Dogstar. Of course, it also takes a lot more, not the least of which is working around some people's (*cough*thebassplayer*cough*) schedules.

Well, I really can't work magic on either of those obstacles, but I can help with finding a venue.

Really, there's a veritible buttload of places to play in my little hamlet of sin.

You've got The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel or House of Blues- Las Vegas. Surely someone has worked with a certain HOB exec in a film or something and could pull some strings, no?

Caesars is right out. Don't even think about it, guys. I don't know who was zooming who last year, but trust me - Dogstar on Cleopatra's Barge is recipe for mayhem and disaster. And I don't know of any other live music venue at that property, unless they plan on opening up for Celine.

If the Dogboys really want to get back to their punk rock roots, they could book a gig at The Huntridge. No comp lodging like a resort gig, however.

That's OK, they can stay with me. The cats hardly ever pee on strange musical equipment in the hallway anymore.

Of course, the best choice would be for them to play at Club Madrid again. I promise to wear a plunging neckline and keep my drink off the stage this time.

Think about it, guys.

You know you want to come see me rock Las Vegas.

Few things induce spontaneous ovulation better than a cute guy holding a puppy.
And really, if that cute guy is Rob Mailhouse of Dogstar? Well, my panties just demolecularize completely.
Rob recently co-hosted a a fundraising documentary called "Love Unleashed: Stories of Heartbreak and Hope." The film, which includes a one-hour and a half-hour version will be broadcast in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on major network affiliates and independent stations up to eight times a month for up to three years.

Great cause, great guy. I feel all warm and tingly.

Thank you to littlezen on the Dogstar Message Board for this info.

My bud, Jena pointed out an auction on Yahoo.co.jp for some sweet Dogstar pictures.

While we still pine and wait for some shows here in the US, I've been debating whether or not I will take my camera to the next show I go to. I guess it depends on where the seats (if there is assigned seating) are. When I saw them here in Vegas in July, 2001 (my god! it's been TOO LONG) I was in the front row and chose not to take pictures.

I know, I know...but it's so much more enjoyable to just be there to enjoy the show. When you're that close, you really don't want to be looking at the band through a lens. Plus, I'm a crappy photographer anyway.

Best case scenario is two shows, back to back. One for fun and one for pics. I won't hold my breath, though....

Happy Birthday to Dogstar's drummer and groovy hunk, Rob Mailhouse.

Here's Robert's horoscope this week from freewillastrology.com

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your birthday season begins now,
Aquarius. It doesn't matter whether the official date is today or
in 25 days: You have astrological permission and poetic license
to launch the celebration immediately and not finish up until
February 18. May I suggest a few gifts you might give yourself
in the course of this glorious personal festival? To start off,
present yourself with something luxurious, sensual, and elegant.
Two days later, treat yourself to something bold, brash, and
bright. Next, how about a legal high? And after that, maybe a
secret weapon, followed by a magical tool, and then a map to
buried treasure. Before you're done almost four weeks from
now, I hope you will have blessed yourself with at least seven
exciting surprises.

And here's Keanu's...

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You may be able to elude the cosmic
jokes that are brewing in your vicinity. Your intelligence is
both crafty and practical these days, and it could very well keep
you consistently in the right places at the right times. But in
order to grab an extra advantage in your guerrilla battle with
the forces of mischief, I suggest you indulge regularly in a good,
long primal scream. Go out in the middle of the woods if
necessary, or find a sanctuary where no one will call the cops:
Just find a way to unleash a soul-cleansing howl that will flush
away your festering anxieties. There's no better technique for
making yourself unappealing to rascally demons and pests.

In an effort to push this store stuff down the page, I googled keanu+happy to try and find something filled with sunshine and rainbows and cute little bunnies.

I found this transcript of a chat with Dogstar.
(I'll keep looking for bunnies, though)

Dogstar: Hi There!!

MiCi: Oh, btw…!Welcome to the Arena!

Dogstar: Hellooooo!!!!

MiCi: I've been listening to your CD, "Happy Ending" and just love it. How has the initial response been now that it is out as a single?

Dogstar: We've had some good response from radio and some friends...

MiCi: If this audience is any example, I'm guessing the response is HUGE.

Dogstar: and the band likes the record ;)

MiCi: Going straight to audience questions...from Mouse: Do you anticipate a Dogstar tour in 2001?

Dogstar: No...

Dogstar: Just kidding…we don't know. Hopefully!

From Julie Arebalo: I just want to say I first saw the band in 96 in Dallas,TX and again in 97. you have to come back soon! Dallas,Tx supports you. I love the song "Bleeding Soul". Hurry back! Please!!!

Dogstar: We like Dallas, we'll be back soon!!

From alcyone7485: who wanted 'Superstar' and what did the other 2 think when they heard the orginal.

Dogstar: What a great song...We all thought it was great...we all had different relationships to the song...similar and different...the consciousness of how we heard it was different. We all collectively heard it…when we started to play it live we all really enjoyed it and the audience really enjoyed it…so we started playing it.

From Mouse: To all: Thinking back on when you were around 12, did you think you would be doing this? (playing in a band)

Dogstar: Yes, yes…and Keanu says "dunno"

MiCi: Still more childhood questions...from notastateofgrace: What's the most important advice your mother ever gave you?

Dogstar: Wear clean underwear...use a condom…do what makes you happy :)

MiCi: Lol

Dogstar: LOL

From Thank: Who were you most surprised to receive a visit from backstage?

Dogstar: (thinking) Our manager ;-)

MiCi: Hahahahaha…

Dogstar: David Arquette just bolted in…dressed like Elvis…he knocked over our deli tray…we're like haul outta here dude :) … (thinking) 1-800-theresthedoor :)

From Shadowboxer155: how would you feel if your music was on napster?

Dogstar: IT is!!!

MiCi: To audience...remember to refresh the web cam frame : )

Dogstar: We're still processing the data…we've been too busy to figure out what it is

From Luna: Were there any faintings at the Dogstar concerts? LOL!

Dogstar: Yea Bret fainted in Japan…hehehe…no one fainted that we know of

MiCi: Lol…

From Walls: you guys are awesome do you u have a hard time dealing with the attention?

Dogstar: Thank you :) NO...not really...it depends...there's different forms of attention…it depends, on what you're feeling that day…it is a hard question to answer really.

From Morbid610: What bands have influenced your type of music? and also Who is your guy's fav. band?

Dogstar: The Clash, Joy division, and...U2…2 more...

From MELLODEW: Do all your songs have a special meaning?

Dogstar: Umm…yes special…they all have a different meaning...we wouldn't write a song if it didn't have a meaning to us.

Dogstar: We'd love to spend more time on stage, but it's crazy tonight…Please watch Jay Leno tonight…

MiCi: Ok...we really appreciate you taking time to chat with us…your fans are loyal and enthusiastic!

Dogstar: it's been an exhausting time but we're happy…

MiCi: Your fans appreciate the time! You guys ROCK!

Dogstar: Thank YOU!!!! Bye bye :)

MiCi: For the fans, we have their website to send you…so hang on one moment. We were VERY LUCKY to get this chat…(thinking) they had to cancel a lot of interviews because they are crazed getting ready…so....YOU SAW IT ON PALACE! woohoo! Before we close, please join me in thanking Fossil watches for bringing us today's event with Dogstar. (thinking) they also ROCK.

credits:
The Palace EVENT LOG FOR Dogstar July 13, 2000
Producer/Moderator: Cyndi Mudge
Field Producer: Alyssa Factor
Executive Producer: Karen Fields-Hutton
Communities.com

Ok, I admit it, I literally had a physical reaction/body rush to seeing this most recent update on the Dogstar Message Board:

Hi Everyone,

As usual, this is unofficial because nothing has been decided, but I wanted to let all you fans know that DogStar has decided to take a meeting to evaluate their next plan of action. Two shows have been offered to them (not including the possible return to Japan that the promoter offered last year), but I hesitate to mention locations because as I mentioned nothing as been decided. However, should the shows be accepted you can bet that the band will certainly be back in the studio writing new material because the old material is...well, old ^_^ They are all hungry to play again, and once they write a new album you can pretty much bet they will be getting ready to release it and tour to promote it. So, sit tight and know that this year might be a kick off to new things coming.

I know that you guys have been frustrated with the inactivity of DogStar, but with Keanu filming for a year it has been difficult to get the band together. Now that he is finished there will be more time to work on music. Bret and Rob have both been working on their own musical projects but have shown ample ambition to get back to working with the entire band.

Hopefully they will nail down some sort of an agenda next week and I will let you guys know if anything pops up. Bret is still considering releasing his solo album, but he hasn't fully decided yet. Rob has been in the recording studio working on a new project as well, but I am unsure as to where any of that will land. I'm sure you all wish them both luck with their respective projects.

Cheers,

Jem

Yes. New material. Yes. Hungry to play.
Please, oh please, oh please, let them come to Vegas.

Come on guys, rock my world.

Jem has posted an update at the DMB.

Sigh.

Dear Dogstar,

Please play a show soon.
We miss you so.

...a fan

HONESTY ANYWAY

On the first night I ever saw you
From the first time I ever felt your skin
I figured things a little strange
As I began to rearrange myself
When the first sunlight started to appear
I would turn to see if you were here
I harbored not a single doubt
Just had to find what you're about inside
I couldn't seem to say good night
Until I heard you say alright to me
Excuse me my dear - I just had to say
It's hell without you here
And all my dreams are full of fear
But there's honesty anyway
The first time I knew I made a choice
Is when I heard the low-down
Sullen sound of your voice
I harbored not a single doubt
Just had to find what you're about inside
I couldn't seem to say good night
Until I heard you say alright to me
Excuse me my dear - I just had to say
It's hell without you here
And all my dreams are full of fear
But there's honesty anyway
Just had to let you know
Feels like hell when you're not home
And I sleep alone
But there's honesty anyway

written by Bret Domrose

Between going through all of my concert pictures for Dogstarfans egroup this week and seeing Rob appear on this week's CSI, I'm really jonesing for a concert.

I've got an itch and only a dogpaw can scratch it.

In an effort to put out some good karma and spread the Dogstar love, I'm going to give away 5 QF CDs to the first 5 comments that want one. ( I know I don't have to mention this, but 1 per person, mmmkay?)

Be sure you leave a legit email (you can use a spamblock, but make sure I can figure out your addy - if you don't want your email appearing on site, put something in the URL space) and I will email you back for your address.

Rock on.

Please go over to Miho's site, 999.squares.net and see her updates that include some new magazine scans of Dogstar's Asian tour.

The pictures above are from April 24, 1997 - the night Dogstar kicked off their Little Visionary tour at the Dragonfly club in Hollywood.
According to the schedule I found at KeanuNet, the band had over 50 gigs in just under four months.

I tried to find something about the show on the web, but had to wade through too many bad Kevin Costner movie articles, so I gave up.
Anyone out there at that show? I'd love to hear about it.

I don't expect them to do anything like the Visionary tour ever again, But I'm still hoping we get a few shows by spring.

Thanks to Dave, I just discovered that you can get a DVD box set of Sports Night.

Rob appeared as J.J. on four episodes of this great show.

Looking at his IMDB page, I see that Rob also appeared on the short-lived series "The Tick".
Dude, you can't imagine what I'd give to get hold of a copy of that.

Good grief! It's been a big birthday week, eh?

Today is Dogstar's Bret Domrose's birthday, so of course I had to throw a little Sim party.

Birthday hugs all around!

Keanu brings the fun and does a little birthday puppet show for Bret.
He's so multi-talented! Look out, insult comic dog!

Hee! So cute!

And of course, the party ends up in an all night birthday jam.
Complete with drunk groupies!

I must be out getting more beer.

Hmmm, seems like I'm forgetting something.....

Oh Yeah! It's a special Ass Friday featuring the birthday boy at House of Blues!

I hope someone got him snugger jeans as a gift this year, because the Domrose tush really deserves it.

If you're registered you can wish Bret a happy birthday over at the Official Dogstar Message Board or you can go sign his guestbook.

Thank you to Miho of 999.squares.net for posting a link to some wonderful pictures from Dogstar's Thailand show on the Dogstar Board.

Go look.
Pretty colors.....need coffeee...

Or in my case...Dogstar!

From Jem at the Official Dogstar Message Board

"Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm sorry to say that I really don't have much of an update for you guys. But, I wanted to write in and let you know what little is going on. Obviously everyone made it back from Asia okay. Right now the boys are working on booking a show for Vegas, but nothing has been established. I think they are going with the Ceaser Hotel first since they were the ones that tried to book them a few months ago. But who knows what their agent will cook up."
[...]

There's more, go read the full entry here.

I had no idea all I had to do was ask.
They love me so.

Dear Dogstar,

Please play again soon.

And please drive safely in the rain today, guys.

love,
a fan

I'm in a "blue funk" today, so here's a picture of Keanu all...well, blue and funky.

I have a dentist appointment tomorrow so I have high anxiety over that. I'm pretty sure a root canal is in my future....ugh.

I'm thinking about doing something drastic to my hair....but then I'd have to find a new Sim.

"I'll take 'Things people might actually give a damn about' for $200, Alex."

Miho has more stories from Japan's recent Dogstar shows, so you might want to go check those out.

Here are those pics from "Chicks". I believe she searched these out at some Thai TV or fan sites.

Is it the Chinese Year of the Rooster? I love that he gets away with this.

He's so handsome when he's thoughtful. And when he looks goofy? Still handsome....

And here's all three Dogstar guys. I like the second one, you know these guys had a great time.

And here's a look at the *gasp* new boots our bass player has been sporting.

I wonder if we will ever see THE boots again.
If not, it's a sad, sad thing...

Excuse me....I need to have a moment.

Hey, I have something to blog after all.
The lovely Miho has posted her reviews of Dogstar's show in Bangkok over at her site.

So go check that out.

Still no word on any new dates, I'm still hoping, though.

Jem has posted over at the official Dogstar Message Board some news about how the Thailand and Japan shows were received.
Go check it out.

Good news, in contrast to this review of the Thailand show

Nice pic with it, though.

Miho has posted a short report for the Bangkok show over at the Dogstar Message Board.
Try this link and scroll down.
Traffic is crazy on the board though, so you might have a little trouble getting in but keep trying.
Sounds like a good night.

By the way, here's the schedule for the next 3 shows in Japan-

10/13/02 - 7pm - Osaka, Japan - Osaka On Air
10/14/02 - 7pm - Okayama, Japan - Tivoli Park
10/15/02 - 7pm - Tokyo, Japan - Ebisu Garden Hall

------Edited to add Miho's post since the board seems to be inaccesable to some of you.

"Hi.Thanks for your wishes.

Dog guys arrived at Osaka tonight and Akemi and me came back to Japan. Now 2:15 so till 2:30 I will post my short report in Bangkok.

I said I would not post at all till 20th,but I can not help posting the report here...

From 10th to 12th in Thailand it was so sunny.We don't have rain at all. Bangkok show was supported by many sponsors so it was a biiig event. We arrived at the venue at 2:00 to check inside.It was so big venue and 2 screens were both side.And staffs checked lighting and display manuplating,I think those video was produced by TV Channel V but the shooting was so great.I wonder where to get the Dogstar program by Cannel V.You must see it!!And its sound effective was so great.We enjoyed Dogstar guys music so much.

Akemi and another friend and me made a line from at 3:00 o'clock. Two 19 years old girls already was here.They were so nice and gracious.We can't speak in Thainese but only in English a little,so we talk about ourselves in English. I know many friends in Thailand so I was so glad to see nice girls.(That is another Dogstar show surprise,as you already know!!)After introducing myself,a girl said to me "I think you are in Thai land and I wonder why you don't speak in Thainese".It's great for me.If possible,I would like to be familiar with the people in Thailand.In my right side 2 boys were there.And when I asked them if they like Keanu,one of them said "I love Keanu" and he became bashful and say nothing.I said "Me,too!" as a follow but it did not work(^o^).

It was the show time!
People in Thailnad respect their king very much,so the majesting songs flows before entertainment shows like as movies and concerts to pray kings health and the peace of the kingdom. It was so interesting for me.
And after 2 minutes They appeard.The girls cried "Keeenuuu".And their eyes were focused to our bass player.And they begun playing.

Their song list is here.(I think.)

Alarming
Slipping Down
Halo
Enemies
Cornerstore
Superstar
Your World
Flowers
I Confess
Swim
A Dream Time
Blown Away
(at encore)Accoustic - Wish you were here.
(at encore) Accoustic - (sorry I don't know what song he played next)
(at encore) America
(at encore) Blessed
(at encore) Denial - (new version,I think)

At first the people seemed not to listen to their music(It's natural,because they don't know their songs at all.But graduately as I know ,the people around me responded to their songs.I think it's genuinely great.I think they will like Dogstar's music.Especially Flowers,Blessed,Denial,Your world.

Bret's guitar technique was so great that at first their interests were focused to our bass player but the people in front of Bret become rocking.And our drummer's technique also was amazing and sensitive!
And Bass sound was so sweet and gentle totally.
Thailand people enjoyed their music so much.And Our bass player introduced Dogstar members to help them understanding."Lead Guitar(or Vocal?) is Bret and the drummer is Rob and me Keanu Reeves,We are DOGSTAR!! Koppun Krap(correct spelling is unknown."Thanks" in Thailand)" after Bret's accoustic.I think it was so effective,so it made the people response change.I was moved by their shouting to require encore "Dogstar! Dogstar!"... I think "Yes! They learned Dogstar music!!"

Really it was great show.I hope tomorrow show will be more excellent!
We will make it together!!

I'm sorry but my report is full rough sentences.I will go to sleep... Good night!

Miho(^^)"

Do you realize that the Bangkok concert is in, like...eight and a half hours?
(from the time of this post, and now it's even sooner....)

World Time Clock:Bangkok

Maybe I'll be able to astral project in the wee hours of the morning.
It could happen.

Also, thank you to Keanuette and Jena for this cute article...

Keanu the musician hams it up with Dogstar

Published on Oct 11, 2002

Known for his good looks and roles in movie blockbusters, Keanu Reeves is in Thailand not as a Hollywood star but to play bass for his band Dogstar, performing tonight at the Indoor Stadium Huamark at 8pm.

Appearing unshaved in a T-shirt, black jacket and with tousled hair, Reeves led his band mates Bret Domrose and Rob Mailhouse in a relaxed, joking interview. "Pop-rock, rock n'roll, alternative and impressionistic are all mixed in our music," said guitarist and vocalist Bret Domrose. "Oh, he loves Julie Andrews," says Domrose of Reeves. "Oh yeah. Edelweis, Edelweiss…Edelweiss," sang Reeves to much laughter.

The band is hoping to explore Thailand as much as their short sojourn will permit.

"I want to see the Grand Palace," said Reeves enthusiastically. "We want to go shopping and to the beaches to catch the sun," said drummer Mailhouse.

Coming from perennially sunny LA, the band was not put off by the prospect of flooding, and seemed to relish the prospect of adventure. Getting stuck on an island appealed to Reeves, who said he would forage for food and water like the contestants in the TV show "Survivor". Domrose said he would make a stupid soccer ball called Wilson as in the film "Castaway". Mailhouse added that he would "masturbate", much to the shock of a female reporter and the laughter of the gathered crowd.

With Reeves' acting career taking him away on movie shoots, how often do they get together to practise their music?

"Every eclipse," joked Reeves.

Music idols and influences are varied and include John Lennon, The Beatles and Pete Townshend.

Dogstar's rise began when they supported Bon Jovi's tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1995. With the help of Reeves' Hollywood fame, Dogstar's popularity skyrocketed.

They released a four-song EP entitled "Quattro Formaggi" and then the album "Our Little Visionary" in 1996. The latest album, "Happy Ending", was released in 2000 and includes a cover of The Carpenters' song "Superstar".

The band says freedom and enjoyment have kept them going this long, and they love to perform.

"As long as people show up to enjoy the music, that's all that matters," said Domrose.

--KREANGSAK SUWANPANTAKUL

...and now it's even sooner.

And now it's sooner still.

So here are the three most recent pictures of Keanu from Thailand...

Great googly-moogly he looks wonderful.
sigh...

pic source credits
club-keanu (via Jena)
999.squares.net
KeanuWeb
Keanu Pic-of-the-Day Club

---update
A lovely large version of the middle pic can be found here and thank you to Margarete of POTD for sending out this picture of the whole band at a Thai TV interview [click for pop-up pic].

Bret looks YUMMY!

...then a couple more in Japan.
Dogstar has touched down in Thailand.
The lovely Miho of 999.squares.net will be going to all the upcoming shows (I think) and hopefully she'll have some stories to tell and maybe even pics when she gets back.
You can read her post over at the Dogstar Message Board that (no longer) includes a picture of Keanu just taken in Bangkok. Or you can go check out her site, where it's also posted. And scroll down for a peek at some of the posters for the Thailand and Japan shows.

Looks like he shaved.

I hope these shows go well and the guys come back ready to play more in the states.

Once again, kaz comes through with some scans.
This is from Face magazine in 1993.

I love to see Reeves get his jam on.

I....
will not fall
after all
I've been through

It's true
when I think of you
I get to lose
control

and all the hardest things they seem
to come together so easily

It's fall
and you still call
after all
I put you through

You're true
you're always new
and when I think of you
I get to lose control

and all the hardest things they seem
to come together so easily

And I will not break this again
If I get the chance to begin again

And I will not break this again
If I get the chance to begin again

I will not break you again
I need you my friend

~Fall by Bret Domrose

Today was the first day of fall.

This song, Fall from the CD- Rough Around the Edges by Bret Domrose will always be one of my favorites.

To hear a clip, you can go over to Bret's site and click on the Music link on the main menu. (His site uses frames so you'll just have to find your way)

Bret's newest CD was supposed to be out by now.
I'm even more thankful that I was lucky enough to get a sampler CD last June.

Bret Domrose Rocks.

There's a new Dogstar Newsletter over at DogstarOnline.
It has the dates and venues for the Thailand/Japan shows and a little Q&A with the band.

Go check it out and if you'd like to subscribe to receive it, you can do that too.

In other news....well, there is no other news, really. Some more Matrixy spoilery stuff, but I'm not going there.
Instead, let's observe Ass Friday.....shall we?

Reason enough for me to celebrate....

Ok, now that I have your attention...

Go over and sign Keanuette's petiton for Dogstar to play some dates in Europe.

I don't care if you don't live in Europe, or even if you have no idea what a Dogstar is.
Go sign it.

Also please to be signing the petition to re-release The Matrix, yes?

Please. It's not hard. In just this past week I've signed petitions to save two TV shows that I don't even watch and joined some Yahoo group to vote in some whacky game that I wasn't really following.
Why?
Because someone asked me to.

Please do this for me.

Thank you very much.

Thank you to Miho for this news.

Venue : Indoor Stadium
Location : Ramkhamhaeng rd., Huamark THAILAND
Show Date : Friday 11th October 2002
Door Open : 7.00 P.M.
Show Start : 8.00 P.M.
Ticket info...

Speaking of Thailand, this fun page of translations over at KeanuWeb* says that "Keanu" translated literally in Thai means shit-rat.

I wonder if that will affect ticket sales?

*(via keanuette)

During this dry spell of Keanu news and pictures, there's still lots of unseen treasures out there. I'd like to give big thanks and lemur love to JeniLyn, who was nice enough to share her pictures from last year's Dogstar concerts in Ohio. The first couple were taken by her son, Jeremy, so smooches to him, too.

I include this top-of-his-head pic to support my theory that while Mr. Reeves is a multi-talented man, he has yet to master the use of a comb.

When asked who she wanted her CD signed to, Jeni said "To the highest bidder on eBay!" and evoked laughter from our beloved bass player. Have I mentioned that that's a dream of mine? sigh.....that laugh.

And here's some concert pics, taken by JeniLyn herself....

I sure hope Dogstar plays stateside before the end of the year.
It's been way too long.

Thanks to Jem, over at the Dogstar Message Board for confirming that Keanu is finally home after umpteen months in Australia.

Welcome home, dude. We missed you....

They moved down into town
Not to be forgotten
To stay around
The jasmine's sweet
The air is complete now

They set up a cornerstore
To try and make their lives
A little more
Their girl was blind
But she saw more
Than you or me will ever see

You are the sun
I wanna see everything
I will not run
I wanna be everything in you

They sold bait and fishing string
And groceries and things
Everybody needs
The jasmine's sweet
The air is complete she said
But lately at the cornerstore
I try and make my life a little more
I hang around to see her
A little more

You are the sun
I wanna see everything
I will not run
I wanna be everything in you

They moved down into town
Not to be forgotten
To stay around
The jasmine's sweet
The air is complete she said
But lately at the cornerstore
We try to make our lives
A little more
I hang around
Just a little more

As I try and make my life a little more, this song makes me feel good.
I'm in a quiet mood. This is a perfect song to listen to.
It brings back hope and good memories.
If I close my eyes, I can see him shaking his head and singing along on the break.

Go me. I think I'm going to actually get through the whole day without blogging something stupid and pointless just for the sake of keeping my perfect attendance intact!

whoops.

Okay, fine.

Here's a couple pics I took last year's Laughlin show...

I had to run up to the front of the stage and drop down on my kness to get these.
Not that I have a problem with that....

Not for him.

I recently realized that while I've blogged my love for Bret Domrose, I haven't really paid much attention to Rob Mailhouse.

Shame on me.

Well, aside from being Dogstar's drummer, Rob is also an actor. He's done a number of feature films and lots of television work. I only found out recently that he guest-starred on an episode of the canceled FOX show, The Tick. Damn! I knew I should have watched that show!
Anyway, Keanu fans will spot Rob in Speed, where he utters "Jesus, Bob. What button did you push?" in the elevator. He most recently appeared in the new Goldfinger video, Open Your Eyes. Which I haven't seen because I'm poor white trash with no cable. Has anyone seen this? I'd like to hear about it.

Anyway, the story goes that Keanu met Rob in a store or something. Rob was wearing a hockey jersey and they struck up a conversation. Acting, music, hockey, blah blah malebondingcakes. A few garage jams and the beginning of what would become Dogstar ...um, began.

I joke about one day having the hyphenated last name of Domrose-Reeves, and that I'll have a kinky and torrid affair with Mr. Mailhouse in between marriages. Rob has always struck me as a very fun and funny guy. He certainly is a nice guy. Tall dark and handsome, too. A few of us affectionately refer to him as "Da Tree" and joke about being members of the Robert Mailhouse Arbor Day Society, because we so want to climb him.

Because he's always stuck behind that damned drum-kit, good shots of Mr. Mailhouse aren't as plentiful as the other two-thirds of the band. Someone needs to get a stage pass and rectify that next show. I can offer you a little audio sample of the wonder of Dogstar's drummer, though.

Here's a clip of Rob's drum solo from Summerfest (right click and save)

Thanks to Lori of Dogstarfans for that.

For more about Rob, you can check out Millie's Rob Mailhouse site.

And oh, so far away
I fell in love with you
Before the second show...

Yes, I'm yearning for Dogstar again still...

I'll never forget my first show. November 2000, right here in Vegas. Happy Ending* tour. I was lucky enough to get good seats for 2 friends and myself. Great ones, right in front of the bass player. I was afraid he'd catch me looking at him. It's hard not to, though. It's hard to say if the vibrations were from the low frequencies of the monitors or just his presence. What ever it was, it the feeling was almost sexual. The way he bounced that bass off of himself. His hands may as well have been on my hips, the way he moved me. I needed a cigarette afterward.

Your guitar
it sounds so sweet and clear
but you're not really here
It's just the radio

Live music is almost always better than recorded. That's true with any band, I think. It's the experience. Dogstar puts on a great show. No flash, just rock. Bret is one of the better frontmen I've ever seen. Just enough banter. Casual. He makes you feel at ease. Like you're among friends...everybody having a good time. Even though half the audience is pretty much in heat and about one raised eyebrow away from a catfight.
Not us of course...those other bitches.

Don't you remember you told me you loved me baby
You said you'd be coming back this way again baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh, baby
I love you, I really do

When Happy Ending came out, Ultimatum Records' "street team" contacted a lot of Keanu sites to help promote the release. I was invited to go to a "meet and greet" at the Key Club show in LA. The car I had at the time wouldn't make it to LA, neither would my budget, so I had to miss out. I remember saying that "They'll just have to come to me." Shortly after that the Vegas show was announced. I took it as further proof that yes, indeed....the universe does revolve around me.
On a Dogstar axis.
My moods also control the weather.

Loneliness
is such a sad affair
and I can hardly wait
to be with you again

It's nearly a year since the last shows. Still no word on new dates anywhere here in the states. I can only hope that these guys are as eager to get together and play again as we are to hear them. Maybe there will be a couple gigs in LA this fall, maybe they will even get to Vegas before the end of the year. Maybe I'll discover diamonds in my backyard and fly to Japan.

What to say
to make you come again
Come back to me again
and play your sad guitar

They played Superstar at that first show I went to. And a few other times I've seen them. It's not one of my favorites on the CD, but it takes on a new dimension when played live. Sometimes they throw a nice little jam in the middle. It's sultrier, grooooovier live.

Here's a short clip of the live version, so you can see what I mean.

Superstar-Live (right click and save)

Thank you to Lori of DogstarFans for capturing it from a webcast.

So, like so many others, I do my best to wait for a possible new CD (HEY! you guys got cover art yet???), and hopefully some tour dates.
I know it will happen (you know, universe~revolve~me) So it's just a matter of WHEN.

Now?
Nope.
How about Now?
Not yet....soon...

Don't you remember you told me you loved me baby
You said you'd be coming back this way again baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh, baby
I love you, I really do

*sigh*

*Happy Ending is getting harder and harder to find. I wish I hadn't given my second copy away to Roi.
You can still get it at cdnow.com, though.

There's a post from Jem over at the Dogstar message board regarding the Dogstar tour delays and whatnot.
Yadda-Yadda filming-delay-cakes.
My awesome powers of deduction surmise (read: wild guess) that Keanu will be spending some time hanging from wires in front of a green screen over the next few months. I wonder if he'll be in a leotard with day-glo ping-pong balls attached (for rendering CGI Neos) at any point?
I'd pay to see that.

I'm working on a new desktop theme using the Jet Jam pictures that were on eBay a while back, and that Elsinore has sent out.
I just have to do the sound files (new ones, from OLV) and build it.
Of course, that could take me a week. *gurk*
Anyway, does anyone know who the actual photographer is? Because I'd like to list the credit in the readme file.

Also, I'm always up for suggestions for other themes or screensavers.

I had the absolute best time at The Viper Room on Thursday night, June 20th, When I went to see Bret Domrose live with his other band at The Viper Room in West Holllywood.
We got there about an hour early. Got a chance to see the man pull up while we stood in line and BONUS, Rob Mailhouse was there, too. We stood there trying to be all cool while two-thirds of Dogstar chatted on the sidewalk 10 feet away. I think I was the first paying customer to go into the club, and I proudly proclaimed I was there to see "Bret!" as I paid and walked up the stairs and, of course, straight to the bar. I ordered a Corona and thought about breathing calmly as Rob walked up and stood right beside me. I felt his jean jacket up against my arm, and frankly, it was all I could do to control myself to not just heave a giant sigh and lay my head between his shoulder blades. Yay for impulse control, eh?
Anyway, I squeezed my lime and headed over to what I officially consider "my spot" at the Viper Room. The right hand pillar with the little ledge for setting drinks on. I've stood there each time I've been at the Viper room. The friends I came with, Maria and Lori, came in a few minutes later, found me, and we basically drank and mingled and tried to appear as though we belonged there.
Chat. Drink. Look around. Repeat.
About halfway through my second beer I mustered up the cajones to walk up to Rob. I apologized for my boldness, but just had to tell him "Yadda Yadda big fan, looking forward to Dogstar shows , blah blah fangirlcakes". He was very very nice about it, asked me my name (aieeee!) which I somehow managed to not forget at that very moment. I met his girlfriend. We talked about the possible Dogstar show in Vegas (looks like end of August). I think I tried to be witty or something at some point.
Can't say as I recall how that turned out.
Whatever. I talked to Rob Mailhouse. Yay me.

Before they hit the stage, I maganged to snag Bret and say hello. He's so great. The man just glows with warmth and friendliness. And a huge talent, but you should know that already.

While I worked on my third five-dollar beer, Bret was handing out copies of a 6 song sampler CD. You know I'm all about the swag so I waved him over and asked for a copy. I'm not really about autographs, but I do think it's neat to have an artist sign a CD when you are buying it straight from their hand. So I dug out the sharpie. As Bret was signing my CD I asked him about the Ceasars Palace gig, and he gave me further confirmation. (So I'm going to make that show the next countdown over in the sidebar.) He also said that his new CD (which should have the songs on the sampler and more) should be out in the next few weeks.
So, so far the night has been pretty damn good, and the band hasn't even hit the stage yet. More drinking, more chatting. Around 10 pm, they start. The band consists of Bret, a second guitarist: Ben (more on Ben later), Mike Nightingale on drums and Tony Jardine on bass. Tony was playing the most beautiful 5-string (custom?) bass I've seen up close in a long time. Swoon.

Here's the set list (which I snagged solely for the purpose of writing this, really...):

Blinded+
Anything+
Comfort Me+
Fall*
4th of July+
Volcano*
Just Like You
I Burn
Walls*

+ right click and save mp3 sample
* from the Rough Around The Edges CD

I was going to give the lowdown on each song, but I'm going to let the samples speak for themselves. I will say that yes, it is Comfort Me (not Come For Me as my dirty mind believed previously) and what an amazing song it is. That and I Burn were definitely the stand-out tunes of the set.
Not to say that each and every song wasn't rockin'. And different from Dogstar, too. Fuller and Richer.
Part of that is due to Ben, the other guitarist.

Ah, Ben. I could gush about how abso-fucking-lutley adorable Ben is for the rest of this. But I should point out that he's obviously a fabulous guitar player. He's not flashy, but you can't take your eyes off of him. He compliments Bret perfectly both vocally in backup and melodically. Ben is joy in a raunchy t-shirt. And a sweetie to pose for a pic, too.
Take it from me. You LOVE Ben. I see many flung-onstage panties in his future.

Of course, you love Mike and Tony, too. They provide the flawless, solid rhythm to these great songs. Bret said between songs that 4th of July was named because the drums sound like fireworks. Ooooh and Ahhhh for sure.
I got a chance to talk to Tony afterward. I had to swoon over that bass. He's awesome and fully responsible for my relapse into bass-player-addiction. I was so thrilled to be talking to him, I completely forgot to geek out and ask to take a picture.

I do want to thank Bret for posing for the picture above, and for indulging me further by saying 'Hi' on the phone to a friend of mine that could not make the trip this time because of some recent health stuff. The first thing he said to her was "How are you?". In addition to being such a talented songwriter/musician/performer, he's such a great guy. I can't stress that enough. Genuine great guy. It was my pleasure meeting his beautiful girlfriend, too. Also, nice as nice can be.

So it was a great night. It was great to talk to everyone but the music is what made it. Bret Domrose rocks. His music caresses your cheek, runs its hands into your hair, then pulls you close and growls "FEEL THIS" into your ear.

Comfort You? Fall for You? Burn for you?

Yes. Absolutely.

Thank you to everyone, including the second band Jones (Check them out. They brought the funk! Hell, yes.) for such a great night. Worth the trip as always.

[note: since this was written, lost and reposted, the Vegas show has been scratched, along with some previously scheduled dates in Japan.]

Bad News about the Dogstar shows from the DMB:

Hi Everyone, I guess I have the responsibility to give you the bad news. Due to scheduling conflicts, it looks like the Asian tour is being put on hold. It has been reconfirmed as of now to be on Oct 11th when they play in Thailand and after that they are trying to schedule shows in Japan. This, however, affects the Ceasar's Palace show and doesn't look like it will happen. Keanu is not going to finish filming on time to do the tour. So, right now things are a bit up in the air.

The good news is, the boys are trying to get a westcoast tour travelling in Nevada, Arizona, California, New Mexico (?), and other surrounding states. No idea when it will take place, but it is in the discussions.

The other reason this may be good news is that it may give the boys a chance to get in the studio and put together a new album before they tour. However, this is not confirmed or even known if possible.

I'll keep you posted.

Cheers,

Jem

Ah well, At least they plan on coming to Nevada at some point.
And I'm always up for a So. Cal. trip.

I'm outta here.

The lastest Dogstar newsletter just arrived in my mailbox.
Looks like there's going to be a few shows in Asia, no word on anything upcoming in the states.

There's also a great Q&A session with the whole band.
Damn, that Rob's a funny guy.
I'd post some highlights, but you should just go read the whole thing for yourself.

For the record, I'd just like to say: I make an awesome steak, guys.

I'm currently going over my mental checklist for the trip tomorrow.
I still have to do laundry. I might buy new socks.
I definitely need to do a masque this afternoon.
And my nails are really short. Should I bother painting them? I can't decide.
The one thing I hate about going to LA is everyone is so fucking beautiful.
A "Damn, I look foxy today" in Vegas is an "Oh my god, did I go out in public like this?" in LA.
Sigh.
Oh well, the Viper is dark, maybe if I keep dancing no one will notice my freakishly giant pores....

Maybe you've never seen Dogstar in concert, or maybe you have and just want to relive those memories while you bide your time until the next show....whenever that may be.
Good news, HouseofBlues.com has last summer's Summerfest show in their Video Archives.

It's not quite as good as being there, of course, but you do get the feel of it.
And you don't have to deal with the screaming and the spilled beer.

Thanks to Janice and Heavenly Breeze for pointing out this link. And to Lori at DogstarFans for the screenshot.

OK, I've seen these everywhere this week.
Over at zel's keanublog she's got a great Donnie Barksdale and Morpheus and Trinity.
I figured I'd go ahead and do South Park Dogstar.

"kickass!"

If you want to make your own South Park characters, go here.

Thank you to Janice for spotting this on the Official Dogstar Message Board:

"Hi Everyone, I just thought I would post and give you an update. Bret is still performing on the 20th at the Viper Room, doors open at 9pm, he goes on at 9:30. Get there early if you want a good spot. We have TONS of people coming, so room may be limited...however, getting in will not be a problem for those of you travelling far. Don't worry, you'll get in. Just get there early if you want a good standing spot.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Bret is going to be finished with the new album by the time of the show. He is done with all the songs and recording, but he has a few arrangements to finish but will not be able to get it done to be pressed to CD before the show. We have been discussing that he might put out some burned CD's with new songs on them for the show for cost, but he hasn't decided yet. However, the album will be done in the next few weeks and once it is finished being pressed will most likely be sold on CDbaby, or on his website. I think you guys will really like the new stuff, and he is most likely going to do a great cover of Baby Blue by the band badfinger. Not sure if it's in the set yet, but he will figure it out with his next rehersal.

Some people were asking about the music that dogstar writes, and it is true that Bret writes all the lyrics for the songs. Many of the songs are a collaboration of the three of them jammin' it out musically, but there are also some songs that Bret writes completely on his own. On the CD Our little Visionary, he had "Honesty Anyway" already written before he even joined the band. However, all the lyrics are done by Bret. Pretty talented guy!

The trip for Thailand is still underway for those of you asking. Keanu is staying in Australia after finishing filming and Bret and Rob will be flying out to meet up with him and reherse until they fly to Thailand. They land on the 7th to begin their tour. It's small, but effective as once they finish Thailand, they go to Japan for a few shows then back to the states. It's pretty undecided what will happen once they come back to America, but a new album is in discussion. However, plans to bring it about have not been finalized. At this moment, they also might be doing a show in Vegas at Ceaser's Palace...as always, nothing confirmed right now.

Hope this helps you all, and hope to see you at the show on the 20th!!!

Cheers,

Jem"

And a big whoo-hoo for the plans to play Vegas!
I'm so lucky they enjoy coming to my little town.

I'm looking forward to seeing Bret Domrose play at the Viper Room next month.
It will be the third time I've seen him play solo, each time at the Viper.
The first time was before I had seen Dogstar play live. Way back in February of 2000, when his first CD, Rough Around the Edges was released. It was pretty exciting. I'd never been to the notorious Hollywood club before. I was suprised at how small and intimate it was. That night the place was packed, Rob Mailhouse was there, and all in all it was a damn good time. I bought a copy of the CD straight from Bret, and had him sign it. I listened to it non-stop for months afterward. I saw Dogstar 7 times before I saw Bret solo again, just this past March. Again it was at the Viper. The crowd was much smaller, but Bret still rocked us all out. Small crowds are always nice for the fans that do show up. I got to talk to Bret that night, and he was really friendly and appreciative that we'd traveled to see him. Needless to say the trip is always worth it, whether it's Dogstar or Bret solo. Whether you get to shake hands, talk for a minute or just enjoy the show.
It's all about the music, and good music it is.
In fact, I think that Bret's solo stuff is even better than Dogstar's. Rough around the edges or not, EDGE is the key word.
I hear that a second CD will be released soon. I heard a couple of the new songs in March and they are fabulous. Hopefully, I'll be able to get one in a couple weeks at the show.
Oh, the photos above were all taken by me at the Dogstar show last April at The Backbeat in Santa Clara. The man is so photogenic when he plays.

Rock on.

This just in....

From the Official Dogstar Message Board:

Hi Everyone, Just thought I would give you the latest since everyone is wanting concert news. I am sorry to say that DogStar, as of now, will not be doing any summer conerts as Keanu will be filming the Matrix until mid-July. They are scheduled to go to Thailand, with a possible week in Japan, in August. However, once they retrun from Asia, they are planning to work on a new album for release...my guess sometime after the new year, 2003. Fall and Winter concerts of this year are not yet scheduled, but most likely they will be doing some local LA shows. Of course, any of this could change at any time. I will try to keep you posted.

Jem

We got to the Viper Room about a half hour before the doors opened. Ran into 2 girls (Hi Suzy and Loretta!) that I met last April at the Dogstar show in Santa Clara and chatted. There wasn't a huge crowd and we were some of the first ones in. We got some drinks and stood around one of the silly pillar tables since all of the booths (boothes?, whatever) were "Reserved".
Bret went on first. Mike N. was on drums as usual. Tony J., who I recognized from Dogstar's crew, was playing bass, and a new guy (I feel awful that I missed his name as Bret told us) was playing guitar. The atmosphere was very laid back and the crowd was small but Bret, as always, rocked. He played a few songs from Rough Around the Edges along with some new ones. The one that stood out was one called either 'Comfort Me' or 'Come For Me', I think it's the latter, which is appropriate because it, like Mr. Domrose when he plays, was Just. Dead. Sexy.
Great song. Please let it be released soon.
Bret talked a little in each break, made some jokes, etc.
After the set (which was way too short, but there were still 2 more bands that night) I caught Bret outside and told him thank you, and that my friend and I had come from out of town to see him. He thanked me and asked if we were going hang out for a bit, he would be back in after he put his gear away. When he came back in, he stopped and talked to us for a few. I didn't ask about Dogstar, because I really wanted him to know that we were there for him. He really is so gifted.
While I love Dogstar, I actually think that Bret's solo stuff rocks a little bit more. I'm so glad that we made the trip. I can't say enough what a sweet guy he is.
Thanks, Bret.

Hey! I did have something to blog today..

One year ago, I was at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip watching Dogstar.

Sigh, it was great.

Now I'm depressed. When are they gonna play again?

Speaking of groupies, it's been WAY too long since the last Dogstar show.
Hey Domrose! Throw us a bone, eh? Solo show? Something?
Ah well, at least I have my memories.
Here's one.

This pic was taken by my good friend and frequent road trip partner, Maria at a benefit concert for The Garden Nursery School in L.A. on Jan. 18, 2001.
It was a fun show. A little short, and there weren't a whole lot of people at the club. So it was very laid back and casual. Bret even came out and talked to a bunch of us before they went on, and Rob was wandering aound, too. Keanu kept backstage, though. I heard from some friends (that were at the club early and had a chance to speak with him) that he was pretty sick that night. The blonde must have been his nurse. *snark*
But all in all, it was a great benefit show for a good cause.

Quattro Formaggi is an "enhanced" CD, meaning that along with the four nifty tunes, it has a bunch of video clips that you can watch on your computer. Unfortunately, it usually doesn't work because of some screwy quicktime file thing. HOWEVER, there was a page for another band, Treble Charger that had a "fix" that you could do to your computer. I guess they had a CD with the same type of enhancements. A couple years ago, when I was gifted my first Dogstar CD, (QF of course) by a lovely woman Diane, I was told about this page. Credit goes to Mary Jo for providing me and many other fans with this info.
Unfortunately that page is no longer online.
Janice, over at her Dogstar site: My Happy Ending made a page with the info on it, which is very helpful (in fact it contains much more thorough installation instuctions so check it out), but doesn't contain the actual file needed to do the fix. (I'm not sure if the file is still at that old treble charger site, all I know is that I looked for the page and it's no longer there).
For some reason, I had the foresight to save that old treble charger page and the zip file to my computer and I'm glad I did.
SO, I have made my own QF fix page that hopefully will be around for a while.
Props to: Diane (for giving me the CD and pointing me toward..), Mary Jo (for helping out with the fix link way back when), Janice (for making a record of the page and the info so I could find it again, before it went offline) and mostly to the Treble Charger guy, whoever he is (for figuring out the fix and making it available for all of us Dogstar fans without even knowing it)

(for future reference, there will be a link to the fix page on keanuvison.com's misc page)

Every year Las Vegas hosts the Emerging Artists and Technology in Music or EAT'M conference.
If you look at EAT'M's past highlights page, you'll see a small picture of Dogstar 3rd down from the center. You can tell by the bass player's posture that it's them. Or I can, anyway. They did the conference in '98, I think. I don't expect they'll do it again, though.

Hey, it's not much, I know.....especially when I could be reporting about the super secret broken link on The Matrix official site that may or may not indicate that they will be putting something to do with Reloaded up sometime in the next year or so.

Sigh, it's just slow on the Keanu information highway these days.....

At least I'm not posting pictures of my cat.

Romeo's Pic of the Day Club sent out this pic today as the first of a series on Keanu's basses over the years. I'm pretty sure it's a Fender.
These days, I think Keanu is having all his basses custom made by Dan Ransom. I've never owned a custom instrument, but I've had a chance to play a couple, and the difference is amazing, like buying off-the-rack as opposed to having a suit tailor-made.
I remember after seeing Dogstar for the first time, trying to get info on Ransom basses and not really being able to find any. I came across this eBay auction last fall, via a discussion on some bass players' site (I think it was TalkBass.com, but they now make you register to browse the forums so I'm not sure.) Anyway, as far as I can remember, every time I have seen Dogstar, Keanu has played a maroon/wine-colored Ransom bass. It looks like a really nice instrument, but I'm not suprised, Keanu seems to have a taste for quality in those things that are important to him. And the more I learn about him, I think that music is very important to him.

Happy Birthday to Rob Mailhouse

Last night I dreamed that Dogstar played a concert in my living room.

For some reason, I found myself over in the TalkBass.com forums and did a search on Dogstar. Of course, a simple question "Does Keanu Reeves Play Bass?" decays rapidly into a whinefest of why a successful actor should stick with his day job posts. I did find one that gives Keanu his due, though.

But the cool thing about this is, (bear with me here), he must really feel a desire or drive to play music. I mean, the guy makes more money from a single movie than some of us will see in our lifetimes. Regardless of what I think of his talent, nobody is forcing the movie studios to pay him this much, so somebody feels that he is worth the bucks. Credit where it's due...

I admire the cojones it takes for someone who is so recognizable to leap into a situation where so much of his soul is bared. With a movie, criticism or failure can be attributed to so many variables... with his music, it truly comes down to talent. I've heard much worse music, and so have you

-robert

See, that's the thing. Keanu really loves to play. If you've ever seen him with the band, you can tell. And why shouldn't someone who loves to play be able to? What really annoys me is that these other musicians are assessing his talent on what? The Jay Leno show performance of Cornerstore.
Puh-leez.
Certainly not Dogstar's best song (why it was chosen as the single from Happy Ending, I'll never know), and certainly not one that showcases the bass line.
It's suprising to see other artists judge a person's talent on a single performance of a single song.

Happy Birthday to Bret Domrose

It's been too long since the last Dogstar show.

I'm having a severe "Alarming" reaction.
"I Confess" I may be in "Denial" since at least one of the members is away from "America" thereby making it pretty difficult to gig.
I will try and be strong and remember that I've been "Blessed" to see them so many times this year. Of course, that's what makes the withdrawal "Stagger"ingly worse, being "Blown Away" by them in "Your World" makes you realize what you are missing.
I'm telling you, I'm "Slipping Down" hard, I need to see my "Superstar"s someplace other than in "A Dreamtime" soon.

"Goodbye"

Exactly one year ago, tonight, almost to the minute of this post, I saw Dogstar live for the first time.
My seat was front row, right in front of him, and I remember the first thought I had was, oh my god, he looks just like the pictures.
I was afraid to actually look at him half the time, for fear he'd catch me. I spent a good part of the show watching his hands, following the notes to the heavy bass tones that were pounding me and the whole room. At one point he held his bass out and thumped it aginst his chest and ROARED at us.
That was it.
That was the true moment of my undoing. It was then I knew why he smelled like power in my dreams of him.
I didn't take any pictures that night, but I do have his set list, with bootprint and everything, as a souvenir.
It was my first show, and now I have seen them seven times....seven times in a year. I'm very very lucky. One friend calls me jaded. And while nothing will ever equal that feeling of him being right there for the very first time, each show has different memories. I've had a chance to talk to Bret about music, and pushed my phone on Rob so he could talk to my friend who couldn't make a show. The timing and circumstances have never been right for me to have the chance to spend a moment with Mr. Reeves attention, and that's OK. I really enjoy the band well beyond the bass player, and I will continue to see any shows I can.
Rock on Dogstar, when you gonna release those new songs anyway?

Nothing to report, really.
There are some pictures of the set over at The Matrix Online., but they are just that.

Pictures.
Of a Set.
Yawn.

So I guess I will show you a couple pictures I took last March at the House of Blues-Sunset Strip.



And let me tell you, I risked my LIFE to get these.



House of Blues has some of the BIGGEST, MEANEST Bouncers I've ever come across.
And I used to go to punk shows.

Here's a nasty review of Dogstar's show at the Catalyst earlier this year.
It was obviously written by some bitter loser who couldn't get laid if he crawled up a chicken's ass.

Actually, it's a pretty funny read, and aside from his slams at Keanu's playing (he is actually a damn good bassist...trust me on this), a lot of what he says I can relate to.
I hate the crowds that come to Dogstar shows who have no intention of actually paying attention to the whole band.....And to throw yourself on stage at the poor guy who's just trying to play some rock....that's just sad.
And annoying to the rest of us that can't jump that high.

Anyway, there are some pictures.
I'm particularly fond of this one, from the main page:

Can we get this man another Corona, please?

This just in :

The Dogstar Fans web site has a new domain. www.DogstarFans.net
Started as an eGroup just over a year ago, Dogstar Fans is over 130 members strong. It's a great bunch and I am glad to be a member as well as a contributor to the "Daily Dogstar". I have made some great friends online there, and have some great memories of meeting some of them at shows.
My kudos and wishes for success go out to Lori, the founder of the group and creator of the Dogstar Fans site.

WOOF!