Pittsburgh rock legend Donnie Iris died on Monday at age 83 from cancer, following a career powered by soaring vocals on “Ah! Leah!” and “The Rapper” that spanned multiple iconic bands.
Donnie Iris died on Monday at the age of 83 from cancer, according to a former bandmate and long-time concert promoter Rich Engler. The Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, native faced health challenges starting with a cancer diagnosis shortly after his sold-out 80th birthday show in 2023.
Those health hurdles forced him to step back from a Youngstown concert with REO Speedwagon in June 2023, though he managed a stage return in March 2024 following chemotherapy treatments. He continued performing live until late September, when the physical toll of his illness brought an end to his touring days.
Iris Takes Final Pittsburgh Stage at Citizens Live at the Wylie
Iris marked the end of an era on September 28 by serving as the inaugural main act for the grand opening of Citizens Live at the Wylie, Pittsburgh’s newest concert venue. During that final performance, he shared with the audience that he had undergone chemotherapy treatment earlier that same morning.
Just days later, on October 9, he formalized his departure from the road through a statement posted to social media.
After much thought, and in light of recent health issues, I have made the difficult decision to retire from future concert performances.
Donnie Iris, via CBS News
In the same message, Iris expressed deep gratitude for his listeners. While I will no longer be performing live, the memories, the music, and the connections we have built together will always remain close to my heart,
he wrote, adding, Thank you for your loyalty, your energy, and your love through all the years. It has been my great honor to make music for you.
Rock History Spans From The Jaggerz to The Cruisers
Born on February 28, 1943, Iris built a musical footprint across Western Pennsylvania and the wider rock world. His climb to national prominence began in 1970, when he earned a gold record for writing and singing the chart-topping single The Rapper
with The Jaggerz. He later joined the band Wild Cherry around 1978, briefly lending his talents to the group famous for Play That Funky Music.
That stint led to a partnership with Mark Avsec. Together, the pair founded Donnie Iris & The Cruisers, anchoring a regional rock sound that translated into national radio staples.
| Album / Era | Key Songs & Milestones |
|---|---|
| The Jaggerz (1970) | “The Rapper” (No. 1 hit, gold record) |
| Wild Cherry (1978) | Collaboration period |
| Back On The Streets / King Cool | “Ah! Leah!,” “Love Is Like a Rock,” “That’s The Way Love Ought To Be,” “My Girl” |
After a reviewer dubbed him the new king of cool
following a 1980 show, Iris released an album under that very moniker. The record yielded enduring rock radio staples including Love Is Like a Rock
and That’s The Way Love Ought To Be
alongside Ah! Leah!
At the height of their touring power, Donnie Iris & The Cruisers shared stages with major arena acts like Journey, Loverboy, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, and Hall & Oates.
Leaders and Fans Share Tributes Across Pittsburgh
Beyond his chart success, Iris earned deep affection for remaining grounded in his Western Pennsylvania roots, maintaining a loyal following that stretched from local venues to the Mahoning Valley, where he performed at events like the 180th Canfield Fair.
Donnie Iris represented everything that was good about being a Pittsburgher. He was a special man – talented, kind, welcoming & down to Earth. He will forever be a part of Pittsburgh. Miss you already, King and thank you!
Bill Peduto, former Pittsburgh Mayor, via Audacy