“LONG LIVE LEADMILL”: INHALER ROCKS SHEFFIELD

LIVE REVIEW | INHALER | THE LEADMILL, SHEFFIELD 18th April 2025 by Isobel O’Mahony

Inhaler didn’t come to play around for their recent Sheffield shows. The iconic Leadmill was filled out twice this Good Friday with an early and a late show, all in celebration of their latest album Open Wide.

Open Wide, the bands third studio album, was not only a reflection of a “quarter life crisis” but a reflection of the bands slide into more pop tones. The band certainly came into their own on the album despite trying a different sound and Sheffield turned up for the two sold out gigs. Prior to the 6:30 show we had Stone Roses, T-Rex (one of Inhaler’s favourites and an inspiration for the new record) and of course Arctic Monkeys – would it be a Leadmill gig without a bit of the boys?

The band opened with title track “Open Wide”, a quintessential indie pop tune. It’s feel good, dancing friendly and a perfect start to the rest of the set. Seeing Inhaler once before, supporting Sam Fender at his monumental St James Park gig in 2023, I’d say that Inhaler are even stronger live than recorded. Elijah Hewson’s vocals have no restriction in a live setting and are clearly fuelled by a strong crowd; not to mention the rest of the band just seem to excel on stage.

Older tunes “Dublin in Ecstasy” and “Totally” made a quick appearance for the fans, but to be fair, where was “Cheer Up Baby” (you cowards). The tracks blended seamlessly into the new album, Inhaler honing in on the more pop sound over time. “Totally” was arguably the biggest crowd pleaser, with a mosh and prompting frontman Elijah Hewson to shout “Fucking hell Sheffield!”

Favourites from the album “Your House”, “Eddie in the Darkness” and “Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)” were just a great big party for the crowd, although no tune featured dampened the night – Inhaler owned and electrified that stage.

There is always something special about a Leadmill gig, nevermind how long a setlist is. There were a couple of murmurs in the crowd about the 50 minute set, but these boys were booked and busy with another show just an hour later. The concise set in my opinion made it more special, each gig unique to the audience more than ever.

It was a brilliant flash of rock n roll in one of the best venues in the country for a band who are clearly getting stronger and more versed in this whole music thing by the day. Long live Inhaler and, in the band’s words that night, long live Leadmill.