Inhaler/Blossoms (Fabrique Milan)
There’s something genuinely magical about going to a gig abroad. The sheer thrill of hopping on a plane with your best mates, chasing the music you love, and landing somewhere completely new — it’s a feeling that’s hard to beat. I first caught that bug last year when I saw my favourite band, The 1975, in Zurich. Since then, I’ve been hooked. So, when I saw that Inhaler were playing in Milan on a Saturday night, supported by none other than Blossoms, the decision made itself.
Being a teacher meant I was tied to working Friday and Monday, but the blueprint for a perfect flying visit was there. A 6am meet-up at Manchester Airport, cheap return flights booked, and before we knew it, we’d landed in sunny Milan on Saturday morning. After a day of soaking up the Italian sunshine, fuelled by pizza, pasta, and plenty of wine, it was time to head to Fabrique.
I didn’t know what to expect from a venue in a different country — would it live up to the standard that Mancunian venues have set for me over the years? But any nerves disappeared as soon as we arrived. Opposite the venue was a bar blasting Inhaler tracks for the queuing fans (and the smart ones relaxing in the bar, skipping the wait). Inside, Fabrique was a dream — almost like an indoor Castlefield Bowl, with steps lining the sides and a raised standing section at the back. Great sightlines, bars on either side, and a buzz of anticipation in the air.
We arrived just as Blossoms took to the stage. It had been a while since I’d seen them live, and with the recent release of Gary, I was especially excited. From the first track, it was clear: this was a band who’d elevated everything. Their stage presence was electric — charismatic, polished, and completely magnetic. Whether it was dance moves, drummers parading around the stage, or just their sheer energy, Blossoms brought it. It did surprise me, though, how little the Italian crowd seemed to respond. Even Charlemagne — a certified indie anthem — didn’t get the love it deserves. But that didn’t matter to us. You could spot the Brits dotted around, dancing like we were at home. Blossoms are at the top of their game right now, and this performance proved why.
As the stage was reset for Inhaler, we edged closer in hopes of dialling up the atmosphere — and wow, did it pay off. It had been a couple of years since I’d last seen them live, and I forgot just how many of their tracks I actually knew. The band’s energy was infectious, the vocals were full of emotion, and the setlist was perfectly paced. I’d avoided spoilers beforehand, thinking they’d open with My Honest Face like they did at the start of the tour, but they pulled a fast one — kicking off with Open Wide into Dublin in Ecstasy. I said in my review of the album that Open Wide should’ve been the opener for the album instead of Eddie In The Darkness… maybe they listened?
There were explosive indie bangers, softer emotional moments, and everything in between. The crowd had switched on too — bouncing, singing, properly engaged. Even my friends, who came mainly for the Milan experience, were blown away. Both bands killed it.
With Inhaler rising fast thanks to viral moments on TikTok and a busy summer of festivals on the horizon — including Glastonbury and Neighbourhood Weekender — it’s clear they're heading for huge things. This Milan show felt like a warm-up for something bigger, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Sure, a three-hour flight delay on Sunday, a 3am landing, and three hours of sleep before heading straight to work on Monday wasn’t ideal. But would I do it all again? In a heartbeat. A weekend of sunshine, great friends, and unforgettable live music — now that’s what I call time well spent.