Donnie Iris, a rock legend, died Monday at the age of 83, according to friend and concert promoter Rich Engler.
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The Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, native first came to fame with his band The Jaggerz, best known for their hit “The Rapper.” He then went on to have a successful solo career with his band The Cruisers, making hits such as “Ah! Leah!” and “Love is Like a Rock.”
Earlier this month, Iris announced his retirement from future performances after experiencing health issues.
He gave his final performance at the grand opening of Citizens Live at The Wylie in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District neighborhood.
In a statement announcing his retirement, he said, “Music has given me far more than I could ever put into words. From the earliest days to every chapter of my life, your support has been a constant source of joy and inspiration. 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.”
A cause of death has not been released. In 2023, Iris began receiving treatment for bladder cancer.
Those who worked with him and called him a friend say the man on stage was the same as the man off stage.
“He was a wonderful man and a wonderful representative of Pittsburgh music. So he’s done us all proud,” musician Shari Richards said.
Philip G. Pavely
Donnie Iris sings the National Anthem on his 80th birthday before the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins NHL hockey game, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023.
Rich Engler, a longtime concert promoter who began working with Iris in 1966, praised his vocal abilities and passion.
“The volume he and the high notes that he could hit, and everything with such passion like ‘Ah! Leah!’ And all the high notes. I can’t even possibly do it. And he knocked audiences out, even down to the last,” Engler said.
Engler, who produced numerous shows with Iris over the years, shared a memorable moment from their time working together.
“I probably produced at least 20 or 30 shows with them over the years, and probably one of the most famous. I pulled out a poster of Donnie Iris and the Cruisers and special guest Bon Jovi. I mean, wow,” Engler said.
Friends say Iris embodied his music and left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
“We’re going to miss him personally, forever. But his songs will live on forever,” Engler said.
Even those who grew up listening to Iris’ hits were shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. They’ve been playing his biggest hits to honor him.
“It’s a weird feeling. I mean, local legend, you know, Donnie Iris, I’m just going to be listening to “Ah! Leah!” the entire way home as a tribute,” said Michael Caponi.