There was a palpable sense of anticipation around Dublin’s sold-out 3Olympia Theatre on Thursday night as Dogstar kicked off the opening date of their All In Now Tour. Whether the packed venue was filled primarily with devoted fans of the band or curious admirers hoping to catch a glimpse of bassist Keanu Reeves remains open to debate, but by the end of the evening it was clear that the music itself was the star of the show.
Opening proceedings were Belfast alternative/indie four-piece Disorder, who delivered a confident and energetic set that quickly won over the early arrivals. Tracks such as ” In Your Face ”, / ” Pretty Pretty Pretty ” and their excellent recent single ” Icarus ” showcased a band with plenty of ambition and melodic flair. Their atmospheric sound and driving rhythms evoked memories of an early Simple Minds, while still retaining a distinctive identity of their own. Judging by the reaction from the crowd, Disorder left the stage having gained more than a few new fans.
The night’s main event had drawn considerable attention, with members of Guns N’ Roses watching from the venue’s guest boxes adding an extra layer of intrigue to the occasion. Yet despite the celebrity factor surrounding the band, Dogstar approached the evening with a refreshing lack of pretension.
The stage production was deliberately minimal, proving that the trio are far more interested in letting the songs do the talking. As with all great three-piece rock bands, there was little need for elaborate visuals or theatrical distractions. Instead, the focus remained firmly on the music and the chemistry between the musicians.
Opening with the brooding ”Siren”, Dogstar immediately established the tone for the evening. Across a fantastic 20 song set, the band demonstrated both power and subtlety, delivering performances that were tight, engaging and effortlessly assured. Fan favourites including ” This Sphere ” / ” The Whisper ” / ” Runaway ” and ” Punch The Sky ” all received enthusiastic receptions from the Dublin crowd, each highlighting the band’s knack for combining atmospheric textures with muscular rock arrangements.
What impressed most was the sincerity of the performance. There was no reliance on nostalgia or celebrity status, just three musicians fully committed to their craft. For a first night of a major tour, Dogstar looked remarkably comfortable and confident.
If this opening show is any indication, the All In Now Tour promises to be one of the summer’s most rewarding rock outings.
Disorder photos:
Dogstar photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Siren
Lust
How The Story Ends
Everything Turns Around
Joy
Wing
This Sphere
Blonde
Glimmer
Math
The Whisper
Shards Of Rain
Exalted
Runaway
What Is
Marmalade
All Is Now
____________________
Punch The Sky
Shallow Easy
Breach
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic