Leeds marks the first 2023 show before the band embark on a three-month tour of the UK, America and Europe.
Now it's not often that a city like Leeds gets to experience that opening night buzz, and the night before the official launch of new album Cuts & Bruises no less, so we more than made the most of it.
For those unfamiliar with the Irish rock band, there's a lot to love about the four-piece.
Consisting of Elijah Hewson, son of the U2 star Bono, bassist Robert Keating, guitarist Josh Jenkinson and drummer Ryan McMahon, the band have been together since 2012 (with Jenkinson joining in 2015) and rose to fame after releasing their first EP It Won't Always Be Like This when the four-piece came fifth in the BBC’s Sound Of… poll, an annual survey that asks critics and industry figures who is the most promising new talent.
There's perhaps no greater praise than that of fellow singers, but Inhaler really do take this to the next level. With a wealth of superstars to choose from like Noel Gallagher, who compared them to an "early U2" (like father like son?); Elton John, who described the band as "f**king amazing" and no less than Yorkshire's own Arctic Monkeys, who have the band signed as their support act for their upcoming tour across Europe.
Inhaler debuted three songs in Leeds. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Kicking off the tour in Leeds
Opening with These Are The Days, a welcome choice from their upcoming album Cuts & Bruises, chants of 'turn up the music / black out the lights' brought the Academy to life from the very first riff.
Next up was My Honest Face, a crowdpleaser that's been played no less than 220 times by the Irish rock band and Love Will Get You There, before the crowd was treated live debuts of Just To Keep You Satisfied and So Far, So Good, each of which are due to be released on the band's latest album at midnight.
Lead singer Elijah did admit to the crowd that 'there might be a few mistakes', but the new tunes flowed effortlessly from the four-piece rock band, like they'd always been a part of the setlist.
Every song felt well rehearsed, and with two studio albums and ten singles to choose from, Inhaler continued the night, finding rhythm with a combination of new tunes, and fan favourites from their first 2021 album and previous singles.
My King Will Be Kind brought up the house lights and cheers from the crowd bringing a passionate sing-a-long before another live debut brought Valentine to life for the very first time.
BBC Radio 1 teased at a live version of the band's most popular hit, Love Will Get You There, as well as a rendition of Miley Cyrus' Flowers, last month, and the cool charisma showcased on air from the band was just as present in front of the live audience in Leeds as the countdown to the new album release.
Bringing the city just shy of a non-stop 90 minute performance, Inhaler continued to bring tunes, disappearing after Cheer Up Baby only to return for an encore dressed down in a vest and pink fluffy cowboy hat (well, it lasted at least two verses).
The show closed with If You're Gonna Break My Heart and the song that started it all, It Won't Always Be Like This, leaving Leeds counting down the hours until Cuts & Bruises makes its way on to Spotify and into our record stores.
Lead singer Eli returned for the encore in a pink cowboy hat. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
2023 Tour Dates
You can catch Inhaler on tour across the UK and Ireland over the coming weeks in the following cities.
Friday 17 February - Newcastle, NX (SOLD OUT)
Saturday 18 February - Liverpool, Uni Mountford Hall (SOLD OUT)
Monday 20 February - Norwich, The Nick Rayns LCR
Tuesday 21 February - Cardiff Uni, The Great Hall
Thursday 23 February - Nottingham, Rock City
Friday 24 February - Birmingham, O2 Academy
Saturday 25 February - Bristol, O2 Academy (SOLD OUT)
Friday 19 May - Manchester, O2 Victoria Warehouse
Saturday 20 May - London, O2 Academy Brixton
Monday 5 June - Liverpool, O2 Academy 2
Tuesday 6 June - Sheffield, The Leadmill
Tuesday 15 June - Galway, Monroes
For those that missed out on a night of non-stop dance anthems and heavy guitar riffs, Inhaler will be back for summer, performing atLeeds Festivalover the bank holiday weekend, as well as making an appearance with the likes of Sam Fender and Arctic Monkeys at some seriously exciting open-air summertime gigs.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Inside Leeds’ newest late night bar dedicated to Guinness and gaming
Get ready for plenty of craic at Leeds' brand-new bar.
If you like Guinness and you've got a competitive spirit, then we can guarantee this is the spot for you.
Introducing Love Jackie, your newest late night destination that is officially opening in Leeds next Thursday 12 November.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, Love Jackie has taken over a 7,000 sq ft space and promises proper prints, late nights, live music, and plenty of Irish charm.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Pouring is undeniably the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
These are also served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
They'll be opening next Thursday just in time for the festive season, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
How to spend a day in Hillsborough, one of Sheffield’s best-loved neighbourhoods
Clementine Hall
Venture out of the city centre to Hillsborough and allow us to plan your day.
We all know Hillsborough for its stadium, as well as its park which holds Sheffield's own Tramline festival and other events across the year.
But there's more to the neighbourhood then that, with its own bustling high street that's bursting with independents waiting to welcome you in.
So - you've just got to S6, here's what you're going to do...
Grab a coffee from Depot Bakery
Coach House, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD
Images: The Sheff
You can't start a day of exploring without getting a healthy dose of caffeine in your system, and Depot Bakery is the best spot for it.
Established in 2014, this artisan bakery serves up beautiful bakes and fabulous coffee, all on the doorstep of Hillsborough Park which, coincidentally, brings us onto our next activity...
Have a wander around Hillsborough Park
Images: The Sheff
Okay, I know we said that the suburb had more to it than its park, but you can't go without having a gander through the greenery, right?
Grab your coffee to-go, have a mooch and breathe in that fresh Yorkshire air. There's also a play area if you're bringing the little ones too.
Grab some lunch at Frenzy
94 Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough, S6 4HA
Images: The Sheff
After all that walking and mooching you'll have most definitely worked up an appetite, and Frenzy is a great spot for a light bite.
This Mediterranean-inspired cafe serve everything from toasted focaccia sandwiches and salads to topped yoghurt bowls loaded with fresh fruit.
Explore Middlewood Road
Images: The Sheff
Time for some shopping, and Middlewood Road is Hillsborough's own little high street full of independent shops that are perfect for perusing.
A highlight is the gorgeous Hillsborough Bookshop that is proudly indie and bringing a specially curate collection of colourful, inclusive and representative books to S6.
Enjoy dinner at The Orange Bird
78 Middlewood Rd, Hillsborough, S6 4HA
Images: The Sheff
This is not only one of our favourite restaurants in Hillsborough, but it's one of our top spots in the whole of Sheffield.
Known for serving irresistible South African flavours, this place is just that little bit special and everything you order will be a big hitter amongst the table. Their lamb served on a bed of hummus is quite literally one of our death row dishes.
Sophie Smith -
17th February 2023 
