Dogstar decided to kick off the second leg of their 2024 Summer Vacation Tour during a Midwest heatwave in the small yet vibrant city of La Vista, Nebraska.
Fans traveled to Nebraska from all over the world to witness a night of rock and roll revival as Dogstar and Sons of Silver took the stage, delivering an evening filled with nostalgia, energy, and pure musical craftsmanship. When I say “from all over the world” I really do mean all over the world. I spoke with fans from as far away as Japan, and Ireland that made the trek to catch a concert at one of the Omaha Metro Area’s newest concert venues, as well as fans from New York and California.
The night kicked off with Sons of Silver, a supergroup whose members have consistently proven their ability to blend classic rock elements with a modern edge. To give you an idea of just how SUPER this group is, the band is comprised of veteran vocalist Pete Argyropoulos, and his wife, keyboardist and engineer. Brina Kabler. Marc Slutsky has drummed for the likes of Splender, and Peter Murphy. Guitarist Kevin Haaland spent years with Skillet (a band that will co-headline KIWR 89.7 The River’s River Riot at The Astro this October). Rounding out the quartet is guitarist and Scotland native, Adam Kury. Kury splits his time between Sons of Silver and Candlebox. He has played the Omaha Metro Area half a dozen times since joining Candlebox in 2007.
From the first note, Sons of Silver captivated the audience. Their sound reverberated through The Astro with a mix of gritty guitar riffs and powerful vocals. The setlist was a well-balanced mix of their hits and deeper cuts, showcasing their evolution and cohesion as artists. Frontman Peter Argyropoulos commanded the stage with a charismatic presence, his vocals cutting through the night with a raw intensity.
The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with each member playing off the other in a seamless blend of rhythm and melody that had the crowd dancing along, while a few newer tracks hinted at an exciting direction for the band’s debut album. Sons of Silver’s performance was polished yet full of passion, setting the tone for what was to come.
“It is so Much Simpler to bury Reality than it is to Dispose of Dreams.”
Much to the delight of fans, some who had been waiting decades to see them live again, there wasn’t much of a wait for Dogstar to take the stage. Even though this was a seated event, the entire floor sprung to their feet as soon as the stage lights dimmed. After a 27 year absence, Dogstar made their highly anticipated return to the Omaha Metro Area. The band last played Omaha in 1997 at the now demolished Ranch Bowl.
Canadien, actor, and bassist Keanu Reeves may have been the initial draw for many, but it was clear from the first few songs that Dogstar is more than just a celebrity-fronted band—they are a cohesive, talented unit with a sound that resonates deeply. The trio, consisting of Reeves, Bret Domrose on guitar and vocals, and Robert Mailhouse on drums, delivered a performance that was both tight and emotionally charged. Domrose’s vocals were particularly strong, carrying the melodic lines with ease, while Reeves’ bass lines added a rich texture to the band’s overall sound. Mailhouse’s drumming was the backbone of the performance, keeping the energy high throughout the set.
The setlist spanned their discography, with fan favorite “Breach” and a cover of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” making an appearance. The band also introduced new material for their next album, which was met with enthusiasm from the crowd, eager to hear what Dogstar has been working on since their hiatus ended in 2020. The intimate setting of The Astro allowed for a close connection between the band and their audience, creating a memorable atmosphere that felt both personal and powerful.
The audience left the venue buzzing with the energy of the performances, a testament to the enduring appeal of both Dogstar and Sons of Silver. In a time when live music is more cherished than ever, tonight’s concert proved to be a night where nostalgia met the present, reminding everyone of the timeless power of rock and roll.
Summer Vacation Tour 2024
Second Leg
Dogstar with special guests Sons of Silver
August 27th: La Vista, NE – The Astro Theater
August 28th: Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
August 30th: Quapaw, OK – Downstream Casino REsort
August 31st: Norman, OK – Riverwind Casino
September 3rd: Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center
September 6th: Reno, NV – Silver Legacy Resort Casino
September 7th: Jacksonville, OR – Britt Festival Pavilion
September 8th: Forest Grove, OR – McMenamins Grand Lodge
September 10th: Airway Heights, WA – Spokane Live
September 13th: Redding, CA – Redding Civic Auditorium
September 14th: Sacramento, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento
September 15th: Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
September 17th: Ventura, CA – The Majestic Ventura Theater
September 19th: Valley Center, CA – Harrah’s Resort Socal
September 20th: Las Vegas, NV – The Chelsea – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
September 21st: Maricopa, AZ – Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel & Casino
