An Epochal Open Letter: Inhaler Breathe in the Open Wide of London’s Brixton Academy
London, UK – February 15, 2025
In a night that will be remembered as a landmark moment for alternative rock, Irish band Inhaler took center stage at the iconic O2 Academy Brixton, delivering a performance that echoed the raw energy and emotional depth of their latest work. The sold-out crowd bore witness to an electrifying set, a true testament to the band’s rising dominance in the rock scene.
A Defining Moment for Inhaler
The Dublin-based quartet—fronted by Elijah Hewson, alongside Josh Jenkinson (guitar), Robert Keating (bass), and Ryan McMahon (drums)—embraced the London crowd with a performance that felt both intimate and monumental. Their latest tour, supporting their critically acclaimed album In The Open Wide, has marked a new era for the band, blending soaring anthems with introspective lyricism.
Brixton Academy, a venue known for hosting legendary acts, proved to be the perfect setting for Inhaler’s euphoric and anthemic sound. Fans filled the air with chants long before the band even stepped on stage, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
The Open Letter: A Message Beyond Music
A particularly defining moment came when the band unveiled an epochal open letter—a deeply personal and poetic piece, projected onto the massive backdrop behind them. The letter, which spoke of youth, ambition, and the unrelenting passage of time, resonated profoundly with the audience. Hewson, in his signature earnest delivery, read aloud portions of the letter, emphasizing themes of self-discovery and the hunger for artistic freedom.
“We wrote this letter not just for ourselves, but for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re standing at the edge of something great,” Hewson declared, his voice echoing through the historic venue. “London, tonight we breathe in the open wide!”
The emotional weight of the moment seamlessly transitioned into the opening chords of their soaring anthem Just to Keep You Satisfied, a track that encapsulates the band’s ability to blend introspective storytelling with explosive instrumentation.
A Setlist to Remember
The night’s setlist was a journey through Inhaler’s evolution, featuring standout tracks from their debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This as well as fresh material from In The Open Wide. Fan favorites like These Are the Days and My Honest Face ignited the crowd, while newer songs showcased a more refined and confident sound.
The encore was nothing short of spectacular, closing with Dublin in Ecstasy—a nostalgic nod to their roots, as confetti rained down over the sea of devoted fans.
A Band on the Rise
Inhaler’s performance at Brixton Academy solidified their status as one of the most exciting rock bands of their generation. Their ability to balance grand, stadium-ready anthems with deeply personal storytelling has set them apart in an era craving authenticity.
As they continue their In The Open Wide Tour, one thing is clear: Inhaler is not just breathing in the open wide—they are taking flight.
For more updates on Inhaler’s tour and upcoming releases, stay tuned.