Inhaler Liverpool Show Review

Inhaler is not far from the end of their “Open Wide” Tour, an era blooming with creativity and revelations after the release of their third studio album in February. Ultimately, we have realised it is the acceptance of love and the “Little Things” we all need to grasp and never let go of, and we are sad to see this time go by.

It has become very predominant that we all love the Irish, especially in the year 2025. With “Romance” being released a year prior, Fontaines D.C. have given us the lyrics we all desperately needed to sing, even without knowing it, while Kneecap have stayed true to their fundamentals as a trio, leading with truth and political endeavours. One thing is clear – the music scene coming out of Ireland is like no other, and it is finally bleeding into the British mainstream, with its gritty and entirely diverse landscape of indie and post-punk, as well as its original contemporary musicality involving folk.

Even while embracing some of the most successful bands from the scene in the 1990s and earlier, including U2 and The Cranberries, we are intrigued in a way that we haven’t been before as we continue to see a new era of music that resonates with modern generations of people and hence their emotions and experiences, regardless of culture & identity. But there is no doubt about the influence these recent bands have held in the music scene, especially upon their very own family. If you didn’t guess already, we are here to talk about Inhaler, an indie-rock band formed in Dublin in 2012, with frontman Elijah Hewson learning from his father. And who is that, might you ask? Well, it is Paul David Hewson, most famously known as Bono from U2.

Inhaler has and continues to take inspiration from those before them, but not forgetting about those who are climbing the ladder of the music industry as we speak. It appears both on and off stage, there is a comfort to the music they create, the fans they appeal to and their various friends in the industry. No tension and no egotistical belief of hierarchy, just a group of best friends who took their fate into their own hands, making the fun hobby of playing an instrument turn into a love for live music and, consequently, so much more.

“Open Wide” is a beautiful album. A simple explanation to some, but beauty is never simple. Since February, we have been collectively dancing with passion and vibrance, fueled by the guitar-driven pop beats and an atmosphere of optimism. Advancing into the journey of life as young adults, the lyrics present visual and emotional experiences that we all can delve right into. The tour following the release has been one of pure perfection, and alongside this, we have seen the band grow in popularity; 2025 has seen the boys perform in regular music venues, at the festival grounds for their biggest hometown show, followed by select arenas and London’s Royal Albert Hall to end. It has been an awarding and awakening year for fans, so we can expect it to be no different for the band members themselves.

On Saturday, 11th October, Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena saw an electrifying performance that will forever stay in our memories. Support from The Bandits and The Snuts ensured fans were in for a treat long before Inhaler were welcomed onto the stage, with The Bandits playing their first show in 20 years in their hometown. Band members Ryan McMahon and Josh Jenkinson joined the band on stage, ditching their preferred instruments for the tambourine and harmonica. The special night was lost to no one as the crowd gave it their all, embodying the moment and radiating with energy. With what felt like no time to spare, The Snuts played indie hits “Always” and “Glasgow” from their chart-topping albums, pleasing fans with playful musical tones and Scottish roots.

From the moment Inhaler took the stage to the second they left, for the second time, as every band likes to perfect the art of an encore, it felt like one big trance. People say that time goes quickly when you’re doing what you love, and we are here to confirm exactly that. Starting with “Open Wide,” feelings of nostalgia began to creep to the surface as each individual held the significance of the moment in their hands. It is true that live music can evoke an out-of-body experience, and it is certain that every soul in that arena felt a touch of this enchanting, otherworldly love. Fan favourites “Dublin In Ecstasy,” “My Honest Face”, and “It Won’t Always Be Like This” always claim their much-deserved role on the set list, igniting a sweaty but worthwhile atmosphere on the floor. A fan was also brought up onto the stage to play guitar for “Love Will Get You There” after careful banter with Elijah, most definitely thriving in the moment.

Did you think that was it? Well, the biggest and most unexpected surprise of them all saw Inhaler perform the live debut of “Hole In The Ground,” an unreleased track that speaks with genuineness and depth. The group is not known for their audacity, but we are not here to complain.

Inhaler was not shy to give the fans in Liverpool exactly what they wanted: a good time. With only two shows left on the “Open Wide” Tour and the last show seeing the return of ‘Inhalerween’, we are happy to see the band having so much fun while navigating some of the most lively years of their young lives. The band never feels too far away in terms of personal connection, and we hope to never lose this aspect as they continue to grow.

Setlist:

Open Wide, Dublin In Ecstasy, Eddie in the Darkness, Totally, Little Things, Who’s Your Money On (Plastic House), Hole In The Ground, My King Will Be Kind, X-Ray, Love Will Get You There, Cheer Up Baby, Just To Keep You Satisfied, My Honest Face, Encore Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah), It Won’t Always Be Like This, Your House

Photos by Chloe Williams