The son of U2 frontman, Bono has revealed that the star tried to persuade him not to pursue a career in music.
Elijah Hewson is the frontman of emerging band Inhaler, who have started to enjoy some early success and recognition.
Given that his father’s band is one of the biggest selling acts in music history, he has some rather big shoes to fill.
Hewson said that Bono had told him he would be better off living a normal life and trying to find success in the real world.
He told GQ magazine: “I mean, they wanted me to go to college, you know, like all of our parents.”
However, as every rebellious rocker should do, Hewson ignored Bono’s advice and pressed on with his band – and is now reaping the rewards.
He revealed what it was that changed his father’s mind.
Hewson said: “He saw that I loved it and that we were good. I think that was the main thing.
“I think if we weren’t good, they would have instantly told us to give it up and go to school. They’ve been supportive now, they really have.”
The young singer also spoke about what it was like to grow up as the son of one of the biggest rock stars in the world.
He said: “It was just completely separate to family life for me. It was kind of just a strange spectacle, but it is all I’ve ever known. It felt normal.
“I think now, experiencing a band through this way is very, very interesting for me. And it’s a lot more fun.”
Inhaler also includes Hewson’s school friends Josh Jenkinson on guitar, Rob Keating on bass and Ryan McMahon on drums.
The band have released four singles to date and have supported Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds at the former Oasis star’s homecoming Heaton Park show in Manchester.
Gallagher had high praise for the band and said: “They’re a bit like the Bunnymen and early U2, which is a surprise.”
Rock music in Ireland could start to take centre stage with fellow Dublin bands Fontaines DC and The Murder Capital going from strength to strength. Inhaler could be set to join them in the near future.
Written by Michael Kehoe @michaelcalling
Bono and wife Ali Hewson found it impossible to stop their kids going into showbiz
Bono picks his top 40 Irish song list…and there are some real belters
