Dogstar Bring Rock Energy to Boston’s House of Blues in the Shadow of Fenway Park
Written and Captured By | Jeff Kulis
On a night when Fenway Park sat eerily quiet, its famous lights and normally busy streets unusually calm, the House of Blues was anything but. Just across the street, Dogstar brought their rock ’n’ roll energy to Boston on August 16th, turning an otherwise quiet corner of the city into the setting for a night of loud guitars, driving rhythms, and plenty of energy.
Kicking off the evening, New York-based rockers The Backfires quickly proved they were more than just an opening act. From the moment they stepped onstage, the band brought a raw, energetic presence that immediately began pulling the crowd into the show. Their guitar-heavy sound carried a mix of classic rock attitude and modern alternative influences, while their chemistry onstage made the relatively short opening set feel substantial.
The Backfires also showed an ability to connect with the audience without needing to overcomplicate things. Their performance was straightforward rock ’n’ roll—loud, energetic, and built around the kind of songs that work particularly well in a packed club. By the time they left the stage, they had done exactly what a good opener should do: leave the crowd energized and ready for what was next.
When Dogstar took the stage, that energy continued. The trio of Bret Domrose, Keanu Reeves, and Robert Mailhouse moved confidently through their catalog, balancing melodic alternative rock with heavier, more driving moments. Domrose provided a commanding presence on vocals and guitar, while Reeves and Mailhouse formed a tight rhythm section that gave the songs plenty of punch.
There is always going to be an undeniable curiosity surrounding a band with Keanu Reeves on bass, but Dogstar made it easy to forget about the celebrity factor. Reeves wasn’t there to steal the spotlight. Instead, he played his role within a band that clearly understands its chemistry. Domrose and Mailhouse brought their own personalities and musicianship to the performance, making the show feel like a genuine band experience rather than a celebrity novelty act.
The setting only added to the atmosphere. Outside, Fenway Park sat unusually still, almost waiting for another night of baseball and thousands of fans. Inside the House of Blues, Dogstar created their own spectacle.
For one night, the quiet streets around Fenway were contrasted by a House of Blues that was anything but quiet. The Backfires started the fire, and Dogstar kept it burning.