Since first electrifying the scene in 2018 with their debut single 'I Want You', Irish rockers Inhaler have been unstoppable.
With each album, each tour leg, and each crowd surf, they've proved they're not just a buzz band – they're the real deal.This year's Open Wide Australian tour was no exception. I had the rare chance (and stamina) to follow the band across all five shows, and trust me – no two nights were the same.
Perth - Astor Theatre
Kicking off the tour in Perth – and marking their first-ever performance in the city – the atmosphere was electric. I managed to grab a coveted barricade spot, and from the moment the band hit the stage, the crowd was pulsing with excitement. Even the jet lag couldn't slow them down after their whirlwind Dublin gig just days earlier.A highlight? The fan-led chant for 'Even Though' (which had been cut from the set list last-minute) turned into a hilarious moment when frontman Elijah Hewson thought fans were yelling "E.T. phone home."
It didn't stop there – he ended up with a bejewelled custom 'Cheer Up Baby' jacket from a fan. The love in the room was tangible.
Brisbane - The Tivoli
Brisbane got lucky. 'Even Though' made its only appearance on the tour here. While the band was visibly more jet-lagged, their energy never dipped below 100 per cent.They still delivered a tight, emotive set, interacting playfully with the crowd – including a moment when a fan handed over a whistle during 'Just To Keep You Satisfied'. Unexpected? Absolutely. Iconic? Definitely.
Read our review of the Brisbane concert.
Sydney - Enmore Theatre
Sydney took the crown for pure chaos and energy. This show felt like the tour's emotional peak – the crowd was wild, the band was dialled in, and for the first time, the time difference didn't seem to matter.'Cheer Up Baby' made a surprise appearance on the set list (clearly, the custom jacket worked its magic) and this time, Elijah rocked the piece onstage – serving main-character energy. The band fed off the crowd's energy, and it felt like everyone knew we were witnessing something special.
Melbourne - Forum (two nights)
The final stretch in Melbourne brought a slightly softer energy, but arguably the sweetest fan interactions. Plastic money rained down during 'Who's Your Money On?' both nights. A bejewelled Aussie hat (which I made!) made it into Elijah's hands.Bassist Bobby Skeetz squared up to fans during night two, and 'The Charms' got a rare live spin after constant fan requests on night one. It was two nights of fan-to-band electricity, where the music felt like part of the story – the rest was the connection between the crowd and the crew.
More Than Just A Tour
Following Inhaler across four cities wasn't just about the music – it was about the community. This fandom? It's pure magic. From swapping custom merch to screaming lyrics side by side with strangers-turned-friends, the sense of belonging and joy made each night unforgettable.Every show felt like its own universe, yet threaded together by a band that knows how to make every crowd feel like the only one that matters.
- written by Alisha Sawyer
Read our recent interview with Inhaler.
