Bono Reflects on Son Elijah Hewson’s Rise as Inhaler Frontman and His Drive to Succeed Without Fame

During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, U2 frontman Bono spoke candidly about his relationship with his son, Elijah Hewson, lead singer of the band Inhaler. He shared a story about one of his children camping in Joshua Tree National Park without telling him, which led to a humorous and heartfelt conversation about parenting and the independence of his kids.

Bono recalled how his youngest son, John, casually dismissed the significance of the location’s connection to U2’s iconic 1987 album The Joshua Tree, saying he’d “get there” in his own time. This moment opened the door to a deeper discussion about how his children, especially Elijah, perceive and respond to his fame.

Elijah Hewson Focuses on Hard Work Over Fame in Building His Own Legacy

Bono described Elijah as “completely not bothered” by his father’s rock star status. Despite being in a band himself, Elijah has shown a clear desire to forge his own path in the music world. Bono revealed that their relationship differs significantly from the one he shared with his own father, emphasizing that Elijah remains unfazed by comparisons or expectations.

This was illustrated by Elijah’s reaction to Bono pointing out similarities between U2’s song “All I Want Is You” and Inhaler’s “All I Got Is You” — Elijah simply didn’t care about the potential overlap.

Elijah has previously addressed public assumptions that Inhaler has benefited from Bono’s fame. While acknowledging certain advantages, he stressed that these assumptions have only motivated the band to work harder to prove their merit.

He cited his father’s best advice as encouraging him to fully embrace the present moment, but also clarified that his musical direction and songwriting philosophy are distinct from his dad’s. Elijah and his bandmates have put in the work—performing in small venues and enduring the usual struggles of new artists—to establish themselves independently.

Earning Support Through Passion, Not Privilege as Father and Son Careers Evolve

Elijah’s journey has not always been met with immediate support. In a 2020 interview, he recalled that his parents initially preferred he pursue college. Their support only solidified once they recognized his genuine passion and talent for music. Despite the initial skepticism, Bono and his family have since become supportive of Inhaler’s career.

This gradual shift underscores the Hewson family’s emphasis on earning credibility rather than relying on connections, reinforcing their commitment to authenticity in a highly competitive industry.

While Elijah and Inhaler continue to rise in the music scene with their latest album Open Wide and upcoming UK headline shows, Bono is also keeping busy. His recent film, Bono: Stories Of Surrender, received a standing ovation at Cannes, and he teased updates on U2’s forthcoming album, the follow-up to 2017’s Songs of Experience. Despite their different trajectories, both father and son remain grounded, with a mutual respect that balances personal independence and familial ties.