
By John O’Brien, Jr.
Great music comes to us all year long, but this month’s Mailbag is a special gift. Socks in the Frying Pan’s new CD, Waiting for Inspiration, releases just in time for Christmas, for yourself, or your great-music loving fan.

Socks in the Frying Pan
Unforgettable skill and artistry in music is part of the tradition and legacy of Co. Clare, and of her sons, Shane Hayes, Aodán Coyne and Fiachra Hayes, well-known and well-acclaimed individually, and as Socks in the Frying Pan. The men were born and bloomed there, developing superb skill, interpretation and often hilarious audience engagement. Sharing their music, spiced with laughter and corroboration, on stage and off, is a joy to be a part of, live, or while listening to their music wherever you may roam.
Waiting for Inspiration, the Socks fifth album, is only the latest testament. With eleven new tracks of original tunes, songs, and arrangements, you cannot conceal the gifted skill, passion and dance-inducing performance that trademark Socks in the Frying Pan performances. Released November 15th, ahead of the band’s Christmas tour of the U.S. from December 3-12, 2024, you too can check out Socks in the Frying Pan, for Christmas Tour locations and information, and your chance to see them Live.
“I think this is my favorite album yet. We’ve infused all the energy, explosiveness, and drive that our audience has come to expect from our live shows into original tracks that we are very proud of. As we celebrate a decade together as a band, we dedicate this album to our friends and fans that have stuck with us along the way – this one’s for you and we can’t wait to share it on the road this December!” – Shane Hayes.
Socks in the Frying Pan is: Aodán Coyne (guitar and lead vocals), Shane Hayes (accordion, keyboard, guitar and vocals), and Fiachra Hayes (fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, bodhrán and vocals), w/ special guests “The Sockettes” (singers Lee Coyne, Nicole Daly, Willy Anne Wijnja); John Bridge (bass); and Mike Shimmin (drums).
The blessings of the season, and of great music, any season, continue to arrive in our mailbag. I am especially grateful for this one. Waiting for Inspiration has taken up residence on the playlist, a top-shelf selection, and is Highly Recommended as a work of moxie, mastery and listening enjoyment.


Read more of Out of the Mailbag reviews and stories HERE


‘Fleadh Cheoil would mark important milestone in Belfast’s ongoing transformation’
‘Fleadh Cheoil would mark important milestone in Belfast’s ongoing transformation’

This Just In: LAOH & AOH host Lost Gaels book events
This is happening, be in the know
This Just In: Sinn Féin leaders announce they will not attend White House events this year
This is happening, be in the know

John O'Brien, Jr.
*John is a Founder and the Publisher and Editor of iIrish, an archivist, spokesman, emcee, Spoken Word presenter and author of five books, (see below) so far.
