Album Notes

The Inhalers’saga began in September of 1990 when Gary Lee Jones and Bill Breen formed the Washington DC chapter of NORML.
Eventually social activism gave way to a musical collaboration. Jones and Breen began writing songs and performing in local venues. Much of the first album, Legalize Freedom, was written at this time. While performing at Finicky’s in McLean VA, Jones and Breen were joined on stage by Blues luminaries Roomful of Dirt. Instantly these musical forces combined to form The Inhalers. Within 6 months The Inhalers were in a North Carolina studio recording their first album. Shortly before the album’s release, tensions in the band began a chain of personnel changes.
At last count, there have been 28 official Inhalers. This doesn’t include the numerous others who have sat-in, jammed or recorded with them.
The Inhalers have persevered through two decades, 28 members, insanity and a story that reads like Spinal Tap.
On August 1st 2009, longtime Inhalers drummer, Sean “Big Bird” Lee, passed away after a life-long battle with diabetes. Although Sean’s death was not unexpected, it took its toll on The Inhalers. After some much needed down-time, Jones and Breen are at it again! “Best Hits” features newly remastered alternate takes and mixes of several Inhalers favorites. The tracks feature Gary and Bill with Sean and many other great musicians. The album is a look back as well as a new beginning.
The Inhalers are currently auditioning numbers 29 and 30 in an effort to return to live performance. You can’t keep a good band down, enjoy!