On a chilly, damp night in the city, fans lined up in a massive queue outside the O2 Academy Glasgow. The energy outside the venue was palpable, with excitement in the air as attendees reminisced about the previous night’s performances from various bands. Bootleg t-shirt and hoodie vendors strolled along the queue, eager to make sales before fans headed inside for the official merchandise. Everyone was geared up for the second night of Inhaler’s Open Wide World Tour in Glasgow.
As the fans entered the venue, they eagerly rushed to the front of the stage, hoping to secure the perfect spot for the show. Kicking off the night was Permanent (Joy) from Liverpool, led by the incredible vocals of Alex Davison. As the band took their positions, they received a warm welcome from the Glasgow audience. Their sound was captivating, drawing listeners in, while the powerful lyrics made each song even more immersive. Their stage presence was outstanding, with Alex commanding the majority of the stage with confidence and energy.
The band’s three singles, including their latest release, had the Glasgow audience singing along to Josephine and Aeroplane. The setlist also featured songs from their upcoming EP, set for release in March. One of the standout moments of the night was their performance of Sometimes.
The band expressed their gratitude to Inhaler for the opportunity to support them on this tour. This was night four, and they were savouring every moment.
They wrapped up their short set with some heavier tracks, including the half-spoken-word song Untitled, before closing with their new release, I Wanna Go Home. As the final notes echoed through the venue, the band received an enthusiastic response from the Glasgow crowd before leaving the stage.
Dublin’s Gurriers were up next, igniting the stage with an electrifying post-punk performance that seized the audience’s attention from the very first note. Frontman Dan Hoff commanded the spotlight with raw energy and charisma, his intense delivery setting the tone for the band’s dynamic set. Each member of Gurriers played with a palpable sense of urgency, but it was guitarist Mark MacCormack who stood out, not only for his impressive musicianship but also for his choice of attire—sporting a kilt that added a distinctive visual flair to the performance.
The band wasted no time in making an impression, launching into a set filled with driving rhythms, sharp riffs, and an undeniable punk spirit. Highlights included the explosive “Top Of The Bill,” the politically charged Sign Of The Times, and the anthemic Come And See, which had the Glasgow crowd enthusiastically singing along. Despite the set’s brevity, Gurriers left a lasting impact, proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the post-punk scene. Their high-energy performance not only resonated with the audience but also set the bar high for the rest of the night.
Glasgow’s O2 Academy was set to welcome back Elijah Hewson, Robert Keating, Josh Jenkinson, and Ryan McMahon for the second night of the Open Wide tour. The moment the band appeared, the crowd erupted with excitement, sending the noise level soaring.
The band kicked off their set with the outstanding My Honest Face, instantly energizing the crowd, who bounced and sang along to every word. They followed up with Eddie In Darkness, a new track from the Open Wide album. The band was in top form, with Elijah expressing his gratitude to the Glasgow audience for their unwavering support the previous night, especially as he struggled with his voice. He mentioned that he had seen a doctor earlier that day and received treatment that appeared to be working. This was evident in the strength and power of his vocals throughout the performance.
The early part of the set featured standout moments with stellar performances of Little Things, My King Will Be Kind, and Dublin in Ecstasy, which had the crowd dancing and singing at full volume. The joy on the band members’ faces made it clear they were savouring every moment of the show.
The band kept the energy alive with Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah), one of the standout new tracks from the album, which had the audience singing along and going wild. The seamless blend of new and old songs made for an electrifying live performance. As they transitioned to an earlier hit, the crowd erupted, and the venue seemed to shake during Cheer Up Baby. They wrapped up their set with a powerful performance of It Won’t Always Be Like This before leaving the stage.
After a well-earned break for both the band and the audience, they returned to perform the title track of their latest album,*Open Wide, which was met with an electrifying response from the Glasgow crowd. They wrapped up the set with the outstanding Your House and the album’s first single, *Open Wide*. It was an unforgettable night for the fans, with a powerful performance showcasing the band at their best. As they bid farewell, they tossed setlists, drumsticks, and plectrums into the crowd, leaving the audience with lasting memories.
Tonight, the Glasgow audience enjoyed electrifying performances from three outstanding bands. Permanent (Joy), Gurriers, and Inhaler delivered unforgettable sets, proving themselves as acts to watch out for at a venue near you.
Review & Mobile Photographs by James Edmond
