Keanu Reeves has opened up about the musicians who shaped his approach to playing the bass guitar, offering insight into his personal journey with music and the artists who influenced him most. His passion for bass has not only guided his career with Dogstar but has also given fans a look at his authentic self, highlighting the depth of his connection to music and transforming how he’s perceived in the public eye. Keanu Reeves bass guitar influences are central to his evolution as a musician and pop culture figure.
From Hollywood Icon to Dedicated Musician
During the height of his cinematic fame in the 1990s, Keanu Reeves was seen as the charismatic Hollywood star, known for taking on explosive roles and complex storylines. Yet as the years passed, his on-screen persona gave way to a more approachable version of himself. Embracing important personal and creative projects after the turn of the millennium, Reeves gradually revealed a new side, making him relatable to fans and changing his public image from unattainable celebrity to cultural “uncle.” This transformation was underscored by his laid-back personal style and genuine love for music.
The Gateway: Falling in Love with the Bass Guitar
Reeves’s journey into music started with a deep affinity for the bass guitar. His public discussions about playing bass led to an increased interest from fans in his musical taste and inspiration. Dedicating himself to the rhythm section of his grunge rock band, Dogstar, Reeves pursued his love for music with as much passion as his acting roles, and his approachable persona became even more prominent.
“I always wanted to play bass. I guess one of the things I love about this plank of wood is the physicality. The tones,”
Keanu Reeves, Musician, Actor
His enthusiasm for the bass’s vibration and sound highlighted why he felt so connected to the instrument.
“I love when I listen to it; I vibrate with the bass tones of it. It spoke to me.”
Keanu Reeves, Musician, Actor
Influence from Legends and On-Set Lessons
Reeves’s early days with the bass involved experimenting alone and creating simple lines in his own space. The landscape changed dramatically when his acting career brought him in contact with established musicians. While filming “My Own Private Idaho,” the presence of Flea—a renowned bass player from California—provided Reeves invaluable practical instruction between scenes. Their interactions showcased the camaraderie of artists from different crafts coming together through music.
“There was a house, and there was amps and instruments and stuff like that, and I was like, ‘Hey, Flea. Could you give me a lesson?’ And he was like, ‘Sure, man!’ He was like [plays notes]. I was like, ‘All right’. And he’s like, ‘Just feel it, man’.”
Keanu Reeves, Musician, Actor
The English Bands that Left a Lasting Mark
While on-set advice from Flea was significant, Reeves credits two English bands—and one bass player in particular—as sparking his true inspiration. Peter Hook’s distinct approach in Joy Division fundamentally changed how Reeves thought about his own bass playing. The layered, melodic styles of these bands showed him the creative possibilities offered by the instrument beyond traditional roles within a band. Joy Division’s influence, closely followed by The Cure, shaped how Reeves viewed composition, rhythm, and how the bass could serve as both a foundational and melodic element in music.
“My primary influence was Peter Hook. When I heard Joy Division for the first time, it was like [mind blown] and then hearing The Cure after that, where you could repeat almost in a round, have the guitar move around that, have the vocal move around that. That was kind of like how a bass line could sit, that blew my mind.”
Keanu Reeves, Musician, Actor
The Impact on Reeves’s Artistry and Public Persona
The musical path that Keanu Reeves has taken doesn’t fit Hollywood’s conventional narrative for its stars, but it has contributed greatly to his appeal. With records released by Dogstar and his candid celebration of musical influences like Peter Hook and Flea, Reeves has redefined what it means to transition between worlds—from blockbuster films to stage performances with a band. The journey not only displays his hope and creative energy but encourages fans to embrace multifaceted passions. Looking ahead, it’s clear that Reeves’s relationship with the bass will continue to shape his artistry and inspire others who admire both his film and music achievements.
