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
A huge football fan zone with space for up to 1,000 fans has opened in Leeds
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Sophie Smith -
17th February 2023 
