From the moment the lights dimmed, and the first notes of the opening song echoed through the room, it was clear that Inhaler had come to deliver a performance that would be hard to forget.
The four-piece band, consisting of Elijah Hewson (vocals/guitar), Robert Keating (bass), Josh Jenkinson (guitar), and Ryan McMahon (drums), exuded an infectious energy that instantly captivated the audience. Their blend of soaring guitar riffs, tight rhythms, and catchy melodies provided the perfect soundtrack for a memorable night.
One of the standout features of the concert was the band’s commanding stage presence. Elijah Hewson, also known for being the son of U2’s Bono, took centre stage with an undeniable charisma. His vocals, both on record and live, carry an emotive rawness that speaks directly to the listener's heart.
On stage, he was a force of nature, effortlessly guiding the crowd through each song with his infectious enthusiasm and charm. Whether belting out the more anthemic tracks or delivering softer, introspective moments, his voice was as captivating as ever.
The band’s setlist was a well-curated mix of both older and newer material, drawing from their debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This and their follow-up, Cuts & Bruises. They opened with the infectious ‘My Honest Face’, their biggest hit to date, immediately drawing cheers from the audience as they bopped along to its upbeat and feel-good rhythm.
The blend of indie rock with a slight post punk edge is something that has become the band’s signature, and it was clear the crowd was fully on board from the outset.
The continued to play some of their newest songs, like ‘Eddie In The Darkness’ (probably one of my favourite songs) from their most recent album Open Wide. I’d also like to accentuate the audience as one of the main highlights of the night, making the concert more enjoyable.
Another highlight of the night was the debut live performance of ‘Concrete’, a track of the new album that shows off the band’s ability to write both catchy and introspective anthems.
But my favourite moment was when the Irish band played ‘Dublin in Ecstasy’. The song’s infectious chorus was made all the more powerful by the enthusiastic singalong from the crowd, turning it into one of the night’s most memorable moments. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with each member playing off the other’s energy and creating a tight, cohesive sound that resonated deeply with the audience.
Inhaler also showcased their growth as musicians, demonstrating how they’ve evolved since their early days. The more recent tracks from Cuts & Bruises felt like a natural progression for the band, with a slightly more polished sound that still retained the raw energy and passion that first endeared them to fans.
‘Cheer Up Baby’ stood out as one of the most sonically sophisticated tracks of the night, with its layered production and driving rhythm section, proving that Inhaler is not content to rest on its laurels. Their willingness to explore new sounds and take risks paid off, with many fans showing deep appreciation for the new material.
The performance of ‘My King Will Be Kind’ had the entire room singing along in unison to the iconic lines “I fucking hate that bitch”, proving just how far Inhaler has come since their early days.
As the final notes of ‘Your House’ rang out, the audience erupted in cheers, not quite ready to let the night end. Inhaler had given Newcastle a night to remember — a performance full of passion, energy, and musical maturity that cemented their place as one of the most exciting bands of their generation.
The O2 City Hall was filled to the brim with eager fans, many of whom had been waiting for months to see Inhaler live. The crowd’s energy never wavered, and there was a palpable sense of unity as fans swayed and sang along to each song. The connection between the band and their fans was undeniable, and the night felt like a celebration of both the music and the shared experience of being in the moment.
Inhaler’s concert was a testament to the band’s undeniable talent, their connection with fans, and their ability to evolve as artists. With a blend of nostalgic tracks and forward-thinking new material, they proved they are more than just a band to watch—they’re a band that is here to stay.