Donnie Iris, Pittsburgh Rock Legend and ‘Ah! Leah!’ Singer, Dies at 83
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 26, 2026: Donnie Iris, the Pittsburgh rock singer known for “Ah! Leah!” and “Love Is Like A Rock,” died Monday at age 83.
Longtime friend and concert promoter Rich Engler confirmed his death to Pittsburgh broadcaster WPXI-TV.
REPLACE 4: Add specificity to musical career history
Born Dominic Ierace, Iris built a career spanning more than six decades, from his early success with The Jaggerz to his performances with Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. His death came weeks after he announced his retirement from live concerts because of health problems.
Six Decades Of Pittsburgh Rock Anthems
Iris, who grew up in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, first achieved national success with The Jaggerz. According to TribLIVE, he earned a gold record in 1970 for writing and singing the chart-topping song “The Rapper.”
REPLACE 3: Clarify the death confirmation
After joining Wild Cherry in 1978, Iris met musician Mark Avsec. Together, they formed Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, whose album “Back On The Streets” featured “Ah!
Leah!” Their follow-up album, “King Cool,” included “Love Is Like A Rock.”
During their touring years, Donnie Iris and the Cruisers shared stages with established acts including Journey, Foreigner and Bon Jovi, bringing the band’s music to audiences beyond western Pennsylvania.
Cancer Diagnosis And Final Performance
Iris was diagnosed with bladder cancer in March 2023, shortly after his sold-out 80th birthday concert at the UPMC Events centre. He subsequently cancelled several performances while undergoing surgery and chemotherapy.
He returned to performing in March 2024 following treatment. His final live appearance came on September 28, 2026, when he headlined an event at Citizens Live at the Wylie in Pittsburgh’s Lower Hill District.
On October 9, 2026, Iris announced his retirement from future concert performances, citing recent health issues in a letter published on social media.
As reported by CBS Pittsburgh, Iris wrote: “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.”
Pittsburgh Remembers A Rock Icon
Longtime concert promoter Rich Engler, who confirmed Iris’s death to regional media, remembered the singer as an exceptional talent and a Pittsburgh music icon.
His recording career included a gold record with The Jaggerz and later success with Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. His final Pittsburgh performance in September 2026 brought that decades-long stage career to a close.
