Keanu Reeves Embraces His Inner Johnny Silverhand by Reuniting With His 90s Rock Band

9 months 4 weeks ago

Keanu Reeves channelled his inner Johnny Silverhand when he reunited with his rock band Dogstar to play their first public show for over two decades at the 2023 BottleRock Napa Valley music festival.

Reeves, who played Cyberpunk 2077's rockstar-turned-warrior Johnny Silverhand, took to the Verizon stage with his bass guitar on May 27. He performed to the crowd of festivalgoers alongside Dogstar's drummer Robert Mailhouse and guitarist/vocalist Bret Domrose.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Dogstar attracted a sizable crowd with their set, which included songs from their back catalogue and their forthcoming album, generating plenty of cheers and even proclamations of love for "John Wick" throughout the afternoon.

Mailhouse offered Reeves some welcomed advice before heading out on stage with the band after a long hiatus from live public performances. "He was just super positive," Reeves told the outlet. "He was like, 'Listen to the music. Just be present in the song, and it will go from there.'"

Dogstar was formed in 1991 and had moderate success with two studio albums and an EP before disbanding in 2002. However, Reeves had the opportunity to embrace his inner rock star again by lending his voice and likeness to rebel rockerboy Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077.

An upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 expansion titled Phantom Liberty will see Reeves return as Silverhand alongside a new cast of characters, including Idris Elba as Solomon Reed. However, CD Projekt Red has not yet confirmed a price or specific release date for the update.

Reeves' turn as Silverhand is just one of the many hats he has worn throughout his decades-long acting career. He has continually proven to be a force in the business, whether he's playing a cyber-superhero, a time-travelling teen, or the most lethal hitman in the world.

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.

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Adele Ankers-Range

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