Prague welcomed one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars this weekend, though not in his familiar role on a film set. Actor Keanu Reeves arrived in the Czech capital as bassist for the alternative rock trio Dogstar, which is set to perform a sold-out concert at Prague’s SaSaZu on Monday night.
Before taking the stage, Reeves and his bandmates made an unexpected stop at Prague Castle on Sunday afternoon, where they were welcomed by Czech President Petr Pavel. The visit concluded with a distinctly Czech tradition: sharing a cold beer at the historic Vikárka pub within the castle complex, a moment the president highlighted on social media.
President hosts Dogstar at Prague Castle
Pavel posted a photo of himself with Reeves and the other members of Dogstar following their visit, writing: “California rock band Dogstar visited Prague Castle today. We had to end the tour in the heat in Czech style, with a cold one in the castle pub Vikárka.”
The informal meeting reflects Pavel’s increasingly visible engagement with the worlds of music and culture. In recent weeks, the Czech president attended Iron Maiden’s performance at the Rock for People festival and also visited the opening of photographer Julian Lennon’s exhibition at Prague’s Leica Gallery.
For Reeves, the Prague Castle visit came ahead of Dogstar’s return to the Czech Republic, two years after the band’s appearance at the Rock for People festival. This time, the trio returns with new material from its latest album, All In Now, released earlier this year. Their Prague concert at SaSaZu quickly sold out, underscoring continued interest in the group as well as Reeves’ enduring popularity.
Although Reeves remains best known internationally for starring in franchises including The Matrix and John Wick, he has maintained a parallel music career with Dogstar for decades, treating the band as a long-running creative project rather than a celebrity side venture.
Dogstar returns with renewed momentum
Dogstar consists of vocalist and guitarist Bret Domrose, bassist Reeves, and drummer Robert Mailhouse. Formed in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, the band released the albums Our Little Visionary and Happy Ending before going on hiatus in 2002.
More than two decades later, the trio reunited, releasing Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees in 2023 and resuming international touring. Their latest record, All In Now, has been viewed as another step forward for the band, with critics noting a more confident and cohesive sound than in its earlier work.
The album was produced by Nick Launay, whose extensive résumé includes collaborations with Nick Cave, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, IDLES, and Amyl and the Sniffers. Recent singles including All In Now, Joy, and This Sphere showcase a band that has grown beyond the novelty of featuring a Hollywood actor in its lineup.
Dogstar’s return also continues Reeves’ association with the Czech Republic; besides touring locally, the actor has also filmed in Prague, most recently for the 2023 shoot of Ballerina. While this trip is centered on music rather than filmmaking, the actor’s appearance alongside President Pavel once again places Prague in the spotlight.
The relaxed gathering at Prague Castle offered a lighter moment ahead of the band’s performance on Monday, with Pavel’s social media post emphasizing Czech hospitality through one of the country’s most enduring traditions: welcoming guests with a well-earned pint of beer.
Lead photo: Petr Pavel, Bret Domrose, Robert Mailhouse, and Keanu Reeves at Prague Castle. Photo: Facebook / Petr Pavel
