Music fans across the UK, Ireland, and Australia are preparing for a wave of nostalgia and excitement as two legendary acts—Dogstar, Keanu Reeves’ grunge trio, and the iconic Earth, Wind & Fire—announce major tours for 2026. Both groups, with storied histories and devoted followings, are set to bring their distinctive sounds to audiences who have waited years (and, in some cases, decades) for their return.
Dogstar, the Los Angeles-based band featuring actor Keanu Reeves on bass, has confirmed two headline shows in the UK and Ireland ahead of their highly anticipated appearance at Download Festival 2026. The group, which also includes drummer Robert Mailhouse and guitarist/vocalist Bret Domrose, will kick off their European "All In Now Tour" with performances at Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre on Thursday, June 11, and London’s Roundhouse on Saturday, June 13. The excitement doesn’t end there—Dogstar will then take to the legendary Donington Park stage for Download Festival on Sunday, June 14, 2026. According to Planet Rock, tickets for the London show go on sale Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10am, and anticipation is already building among fans eager to snag a spot.
These shows mark the opening dates of Dogstar’s European tour, which will continue through July, giving fans across the continent a rare chance to see the band live. This run follows their first UK performances in 25 years, which took place earlier in the summer of 2025 in Manchester and London. Before that, Dogstar’s last UK gig was at the iconic Glastonbury Festival on June 27, 1999—a fact that underscores just how momentous their return is for longtime followers.
Dogstar’s story is as unconventional as it is endearing. The band was formed in 1992 after Keanu Reeves and Robert Mailhouse met in a supermarket and struck up a friendship that would eventually lead to music-making. Originally, the group went by the rather eyebrow-raising name Small Fecal Matter before settling on Dogstar. The lineup evolved over the years, with Bret Domrose joining in 1994 and original frontman Gregg Millar departing in late 1995. The band’s creative output includes two albums—1996’s Our Little Visionary and 2000’s Happy Ending—which showcased their grunge-influenced sound and built a cult following. However, in 2002, the group disbanded, and it seemed their story had come to a close.
But as fate would have it, Dogstar reformed two decades later, making their live comeback at the BottleRock Napa Valley festival in California in May 2023. The announcement of the 2026 UK and Ireland dates, coupled with their Download Festival appearance, signals a full-circle moment for the band and their fans. According to Planet Rock, the trio’s reunion and subsequent performances have reignited interest in their back catalog and drawn a new generation of listeners eager to experience their music firsthand.
While Dogstar’s return is making headlines in Europe, another musical powerhouse is set to electrify audiences on the other side of the globe. Earth, Wind & Fire, the legendary soul, funk, and R&B band, have announced their first Australian tour since 2012, bringing their timeless hits and infectious energy to a new generation of fans. According to The Music Network, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees will headline concerts in Sydney and Melbourne in April 2026, as well as perform at the renowned Bluesfest in Byron Bay on Friday, April 3—Easter Friday.
Earth, Wind & Fire’s legacy is nothing short of monumental. Formed in 1969 by the visionary Maurice White, the group has been credited with revolutionizing the sound of popular music. Their resume boasts an astonishing 23 studio albums, 8 #1 hits, and 9 Grammy Awards. With over 100 million albums sold, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the prestigious Kennedy Centre Honors awarded in 2019, their influence on music and culture is undeniable.
The band’s discography is a treasure trove of classics: "September," "Let’s Groove," "Boogie Wonderland," "After The Love Has Gone," "Fantasy," "Shining Star," "Reasons," and "That’s The Way Of The World" are just a few of the songs that have become anthems for generations. Decades after their debut, Earth, Wind & Fire’s live performances continue to exude the same joy, harmony, and spiritual energy that made them legends in the first place. The current lineup features founding member and bassist Verdine White, as well as singer Philip Bailey and percussionist Ralph Johnson, both of whom have been with the band since the early 1970s.
Australian fans will have three chances to catch the band live in 2026: April 3 at Bluesfest in Byron Bay, April 5 at ICC Sydney, and April 8 at Plenary @ MCEC in Melbourne. For many, these shows represent a rare opportunity to witness one of music’s most influential acts in full flight, with all the exuberance and musicianship that have defined their career.
The excitement surrounding these tours speaks to the enduring power of live music and the special place these bands hold in the hearts of their fans. Dogstar’s journey—from supermarket meeting to international tours, hiatus, and triumphant return—serves as a reminder that musical connections can be as unpredictable as they are lasting. Meanwhile, Earth, Wind & Fire’s return to Australia is a testament to their staying power and the universal appeal of their sound, which continues to inspire joy and unity across generations and continents.
For concertgoers in the UK, Ireland, and Australia, 2026 is shaping up to be a year to remember. Whether it’s the grunge-fueled nostalgia of Dogstar or the uplifting grooves of Earth, Wind & Fire, these tours promise unforgettable nights of music, memories, and a little bit of magic that only live performance can deliver.
With tickets for Dogstar’s London show going on sale December 5 and Earth, Wind & Fire’s tour dates just around the corner, fans are advised to act quickly—these are events that promise to be talked about for years to come.
