Socks in the Frying Pan (Ireland)

Socks in the Frying Pan are a multi-award-winning trio from Ennis, County Clare, Ireland, formed in 2014 by Aodán Coyne (guitar, vocals), Shane Hayes (accordion), and Fiachra Hayes (fiddle). With virtuosic musicianship, pitch-perfect harmonies, and an unmistakable mix of wit and warmth, they have become a leading force in Irish traditional music. Their “Socks Sound” bridges deep respect for tradition with fresh, innovative flair, earning them accolades such as Best New Band, Best Live Band, and Album of the Year. The group’s electrifying performances have carried them to 46 U.S. states, dozens of countries, and stages at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Tønder Festival, Electric Picnic, and beyond.

Featured Song:

“Sweetest Friend” showcases the trio’s emotive depth through a ballad of love, loss, and reckoning with life’s fragile turns. Across vivid verses, the lyrics follow a man through joy, heartbreak, fatherhood, and regret, each stage underscored by the refrain: “Oh, my lady, my sweetest friend / My partner to the very end / You are the one that brings life wonder / So sweet and kind, nevermind to call my lover.” Its storytelling recalls the narrative richness of the Irish folk tradition, yet its themes of companionship and sorrow are universal.

Artist Website

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