BONO'S 18-year-old son Elijah has vowed to give his father a “run for his money” as his Dublin based band Inhaler aims for the heights of Croke Park gigs.
The Leaving Cert student is the lead singer of the band, which features best mates Ryan McMahon, Josh Jenkinson and Robert Keating.
In an interview with Hot Press, Eli spoke about his upbringing, his love of music, and making it without his dad.
“It is a risky business, we knew that going into it, but I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
“I think as a band, we fit together so well – and every time we play together, we just know we want to do it.
“Obviously I’ve been around music since I was born, but I only really got into rock ‘n’ roll when I was 13. We really believe in our music.
Obviously, connections are gonna come into play, but that can only get you in the door once.”
Bono was spotted in attendance at Inhaler’s recent gig at the Button Factory, but his son has his sights set on moving on from small clubs and plans to play Croke Park one day.
Speaking on his dad's input on the band, he said: “I’m sure it’s freaky for him – and I hope we give him a run for his money. I’ll listen to him as my dad.
“His musical influences and musical tastes are his. He might say, ‘That’s a great song. What are you doing with that lyric, what are you doing with that melody?’
“But at the end of the day, it’s ours. We go with what we want…and he can wait in line.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMval7GR5IA
So what was it like growing up as the son of arguably the biggest rock star in the world?
According to Eli, nobody lets you get away with having an ego in Dublin: “I didn’t really know about my ‘position’ until I was about ten years old. I went to Dalkey School Project National School, grew up as a normal kid.
“Ok, I had a bigger house and everything, but I think I considered myself about as privileged as anybody else there.
“I don’t think I am treated any differently, even in secondary school. I feel it’s different in Ireland.
“Like a lot of American kids, or especially in London, they’ll play on it: ‘Oh my dad’s rich’, you know what I mean?
“It’s like an I’m better than you sort of living. In Ireland, these lads wouldn’t ever let me say that shit. Like, I’d get a kick in the face…and I’d deserve it.”
You can follow Inhaler on their website, Facebook and Twitter.
