Inhaler

Biography

Inhaler is an Irish alternative rock band formed in Dublin in 2012 by a group of school friends: Elijah Hewson (vocals, rhythm guitar), Josh Jenkinson (lead guitar), Robert Keating (bass), and Ryan McMahon (drums). The members met at St. Andrew’s College in Blackrock, Dublin, bonding over a shared passion for guitar-driven music at a time when such tastes were uncommon among their peers. Initially, they performed covers—most notably Nirvana’s 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'—before gradually developing their own sound and songwriting abilities[2][4].

The band’s name, 'Inhaler,' was inspired by Hewson’s childhood asthma, a nickname that stuck and became their moniker[1][2]. While Elijah Hewson is the son of Bono (U2’s lead singer), Inhaler has worked to establish its own identity, drawing from influences like The Stone Roses, The Killers, and The Strokes. Their debut single, 'I Want You,' was released in 2017, and after signing with Polydor in 2019, they began to gain international attention. Their first album, 'It Won’t Always Be Like This,' arrived in 2021 to critical acclaim, followed by 'Cuts & Bruises' in 2023, and their third album, 'Open Wide,' is anticipated in 2025[3][4].

Inhaler’s music is characterized by energetic guitar riffs, melodic hooks, and anthemic choruses, blending indie rock and post-punk revival elements. Despite early skepticism due to Hewson’s famous lineage, the band has built a dedicated following and is recognized as one of the most promising acts in contemporary rock, earning spots on major tours and festival lineups[1][4].

Fun Facts

• The band’s name comes from Elijah Hewson’s childhood asthma, which led friends to call them 'the Inhalers.'
• Before settling on Inhaler, the band was briefly called 'Collapsible Chairs' and even tried playing heavy metal[6].
• All four members dropped out of school at age 16 to pursue music full-time[2].
• Their first original song, 'Ice Cream Sundae,' took five years to complete before its 2019 release[2].

Members

• Elijah Hewson (from 2016)

Original Members

• Elijah Hewson

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Bono - Elijah Hewson's father and a major musical influence, both personally and stylistically. (General inspiration; no direct collaborations.) [1999–present]
• The Stone Roses - Cited as a formative influence; inspired the band’s early covers and approach to music. (Covers and stylistic emulation.) [2012–present]

Key Collaborators

• Josh Jenkinson - Lead guitarist and founding band member. (All Inhaler albums and singles.) [2015–present]
• Robert Keating - Bassist and founding band member. (All Inhaler albums and singles.) [2012–present]
• Ryan McMahon - Drummer and founding band member. (All Inhaler albums and singles.) [2012–present]
• Noel Gallagher - Inhaler supported Gallagher on tour, gaining exposure and experience. (Touring support.) [2019]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging Irish indie bands - Inhaler’s success has inspired a new wave of young Irish musicians to pursue alternative rock. (General influence on the Dublin indie scene.) [2021–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. My Honest Face (It Won't Always Be Like This)
2. Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah) (Open Wide)
3. A Question Of You (Open Wide)
4. It Won't Always Be Like This (It Won't Always Be Like This)
5. Eddie In The Darkness (Open Wide)
6. Your House (Open Wide)
7. When It Breaks (It Won't Always Be Like This)
8. Your House (Your House)
9. Even Though (Open Wide)
10. These Are The Days (Cuts & Bruises)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #alternative-rock, #indie-rock, #pop-rock