Dogstar Concert in Budapest

I had been looking forward to the Dogstar concert in Budapest since the beginning of December 2025, when I purchased my VIP ticket for this very special event. For me, this evening was even more meaningful because I had the opportunity to personally present the updated edition of my book Keanu Reeves’ Art & Speed - a respectful cultural study rather than a conventional biography, with no gossip, as I had promised many years ago. The atmosphere was made even more special by the intimate Akvárium Klub, where Bret Domrose, Rob Mailhouse and Keanu Reeves performed songs from their latest album, All In Now.

Taking Photos with Bret, Rob and Keanu

As VIP guests, we first had the opportunity to listen to two songs performed by the band, followed by the photo session, which I believe was the highlight of the evening for many of us. Individual photos were taken with each participant, while those who arrived together could also have a group photo with the members of Dogstar.

Many people brought gifts. I prepared a small blue paper bag for Bret, Rob and Keanu as well, each containing a signed copy of my book Keanu Reeves’ Art & Speed. We also received gifts: a signed Dogstar photograph, as well as a beautiful photo album filled with pictures of the band members and moments from the studio recording sessions.

The photo session went by very quickly, as the next guest was called immediately after each photo. I estimate that at least one hundred VIP tickets were sold, and probably no one expected such a large number of VIP guests.

Waiting Before the Concert

After the photo session, we sat down on the terrace of the Akvárium Klub to enjoy some drink while waiting to be allowed back in front of the stage. The concert was originally scheduled to start at 8:00 PM, but later we found out that Dogstar would not take the stage until 9:00 PM.

VIP ticket holders had the advantage of being admitted earlier, and there were even seats available upstairs on the left side. However, I really wanted to stand close to the stage. At around 6:30 PM, we were allowed back in, and I was lucky enough to get a place in the second row on the right side.

I was extremely lucky because someone I knew was standing in the front row. Before the concert started, they generously made room for me as well, allowing me to enjoy the evening from the first row. I am truly grateful for this kind gesture - thank you so much!

Guests with regular tickets were admitted later. For me, the most challenging part of the evening was actually the waiting: we stood in front of the stage for almost two and a half hours until 9:00 PM, when the members of Dogstar finally came onto the stage and the concert began.

A Spectacular Concert by True Professional Musicians

It was definitely worth waiting until 9:00 PM. Although, to be honest, standing in front of the stage, the wait felt very long, as if time had slowed down. But what followed completely made us forget the difficulties of waiting: we experienced a truly wonderful concert.

Dogstar is a truly professional band. They play punk rock music, yet they perform on stage with such humility and professionalism that it is truly remarkable. We were treated to more than an hour of musical enjoyment, with many wonderful songs.

Bret sang throughout the entire evening while also playing guitar, Rob played the drums with incredible energy, and Keanu played bass guitar with visible joy and freedom. It was a pleasure to watch and listen to them.

Time passed quickly, and soon the concert came to an end. When the band left the stage, we naturally showed our appreciation with a huge applause and called them back for more. Fortunately, there was an encore, and they played three more songs for us. We could have listened to them until morning, but unfortunately even the best things must come to an end.

Final Thoughts

Thank you to Dogstar - Bret, Keanu and Rob - for bringing this special evening to Budapest and giving us such a wonderful experience. We hope to see them again soon.

For those who would like to explore the world of Dogstar in more depth, the book Keanu Reeves’ Art & Speed offers an interesting insight into the band’s history, including how and when the members began their musical journeys. The book is a film analysis study of Keanu Reeves’ screen work, exploring the connections between his films and various art forms, as well as broader cultural influences.