Madrid In Ecstasy as Inhaler Opens Wide 2025 EU Tour

It was just two weeks ago that the Dublin boy-band Inhaler kicked off their EU tour for their newest album Open Wide in a whirl of excitement that felt like it belonged to another time.

Their last visit to the Spanish capital was in the overcrowded Sala La Paqui after their success opening for pop superstar Harry Styles back in 2023. This time, the quartet found themselves upgraded to La Riviera, one of the most iconic venues in the country. With a capacity of over two thousand attendees, Inhaler drew a diverse crowd of groupies of all ages and nationalities, all eager to experience the rock band’s latest sound.

Opening for the Irishmen was the equally beloved band Blossoms, who transported the audience into a 70s-like groove with a set full of nostalgia and a kind of energy rarely seen in modern indie rock groups. With spontaneous poses and polished, humorous storytelling, Blossoms got the crowd moving. Their time on stage was not only whimsical and joy-filled but also a showcase of disciplined musicianship, complete with theatrical flair that kept the audience engaged. From their top hit Charlemagne to the newest tracks off Gary, their latest record—complete with charming backstories—the crowd was hooked. After a playful dance break, it was clear their infectious stage presence and antics would be sorely missed.

It wasn’t long after Blossoms’ last goodbyes that Elijah Hewson, Josh Jenkinson, Rhyan MacMahon, and Robert Keating took over the stage, as a sense of Lisztomania swept the pit in anticipation of the night ahead. Their intro was brief; they launched straight into the title track before diving into fan-favourite Dublin in Ecstasy, setting the tone for grungier staples like When It Breaks and Who’s Your Money On? (Plastic House), alongside live debuts of new material released earlier this year.

Open Wide, defined as a guitar-driven pop album, has received mixed reviews—some lamenting the move away from rock, others praising producer Kid Harpoon’s direction and the band’s evident evolution. However, any fears that the pop elements might drown out Inhaler’s raw edge were quickly put to rest. Jenkinson’s guitar riffs and solos stole the spotlight with the confidence and energy of a true rocker. Despite Harpoon’s unmistakable creative influence, Inhaler managed to bring back their signature grit and youthful energy.

The rest of the night struck a perfect balance between old and new, with heavy emphasis on fan-favourites from their debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This—a choice that clearly thrilled the audience. Still, the tour’s namesake LP wasn’t left behind. Live versions of tracks like X-Ray and The Charms gave the album a real shot at securing a place in the hearts of the Madrileños.

The overall set was simple and direct, with no unnecessary extravagance. It was the sheer musical quality and the individual effort of each band member that made the night special—building up momentum for explosive moments like My Honest Face, while leaving room for tenderness in songs like Just To Keep You Satisfied.

In conclusion, the evening of April 21st was a great example of youthful charisma and Inhaler’s commitment to their craft and growth—while still knowing exactly how to captivate a crowd by giving it their all on stage.

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