Live Report: Inhaler leave Stradbally in ecstasy with euphoric EP main stage set

Under the last bit of clear sky over Stradbally on Saturday evening, Inhaler saunter out onto the Electric Picnic main stage like they own the place, ready to deliver a performance to remember. They were a late addition to the EP 2025 line-up, but with a packed crowd and thunderous applause upon entry, they are far from forgotten.

They open with none other than ‘Dublin in Ecstasy’, flashing tricolour strobes as Irish fans sing along to a local favourite.  Backed by psychedelic colour-changing visuals and dressed like the great rock n' rollers of yore, every member of the band is effortlessly cool.

Inhaler at Electric Picnic. 30 Aug 2025. Photo: Patrik Meier/hotpress.com

It’s undeniable that Irish crowds love them - and after a soulful rendition of ‘Eddie in Darkness’, frontman Elijah Hewson confirms that love is reciprocated.

"Thank you very much, this is a big moment for us," Hewson told the crowd. "We love this place."

After the completion of the first of many guitar switches, they launch into ‘Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)’. The track is an energy-boosting sing-along, as crowds clap along and chant along, “Yeah, yeah, yeah!” at the chorus.

It's a trend that continues with 'Just to Keep You Satisfied'. Hewson squeezes his eyes shut, singing out, "La, la la," before shouting, "Now you sing, EP!" And sing they do, joining him in belting their whole hearts out.

They follow up with ‘Love Will Get You There’, a powerful song driven by soaring guitar and crashing drums though the ethereal backing vocals from bassist Robert Keating and guitarist Josh Jenkinson are just as unforgettable.

Inhaler at Electric Picnic. 30 Aug 2025. Photo: Patrik Meier/hotpress.com

Afterwards, Keating points out that Ryan McMahon — whose drumming talent dazzles throughout the set — recently celebrated a birthday.

"This one was born in a pair of Chelsea boots, he was made for this," jokes Keating, earning chuckles from the crowd.

McMahon heavy drums lead their performance of 'X-Ray', under a soaring, resonant guitar melody by Jenkinson. Red stage lights and grungy black-and-white screen visuals lend well to the gritty feel of the song.

In an appropriately angelic voice, Hewson sings, “Feels like heaven even if there’s not one.” And it sure feels like Inhaler is taking EP to heaven.

Inhaler at Electric Picnic. 30 Aug 2025. Photo: Patrik Meier/hotpress.com

After ‘X-Ray’, Hewson takes a moment to speak on a more serious note, joining a handful of other artists in expressing solidarity with Gaza.

"It makes us proud to be Irish when we see all of you talking about it," said Hewson, seizing the microphone and staring out solemnly. "Don't stop talking about it. "

He dedicates the following track, ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’, to the people of Palestine. Inhaler have been outspoken about Gaza on stage and they will soon perform alongside Maverick Sabre and Primal Scream at Gig For Gaza in London this October.

Inhaler wrap up with another crowd favourite in 'Honest Face'. Fans who don't know the lyrics by heart are scarce in the crowd, as a chorus of voices joins Hewson's (to his delight — his smile beams through the whole song). Golden lights cast over the stage and out to the crowd leave fans content with a show-stopping performance that feels like coming home for the Dublin band.