Donnie Iris, 'Ah! Leah!' singer and Pittsburgh rock legend, dies at 83 weeks after retiring

Donnie Iris, the Western Pennsylvania rocker behind “Ah! Leah!” and “Love Is Like a Rock,” has died. He was 83. A former bandmate announced the news on Monday, Oct. 26, CBS Pittsburgh reported.

His death came just weeks after he stepped away from the stage. Iris played what became his final show on Sept. 28 at Citizens Live at The Wylie in Pittsburgh and announced his retirement from live performances on Oct. 9.

What is known about his death

Iris was diagnosed with bladder cancer shortly after his sold-out 80th birthday show in 2023, according to CBS Pittsburgh. He canceled several shows during treatment but later returned to performing.

His cause of death was not immediately released on Monday. CBS Pittsburgh did not report further details about the circumstances.

In his Oct. 9 retirement letter, posted on social media, Iris pointed to his health:

“After much thought, and in light of recent health issues, I have made the difficult decision to retire from future concert performances. Music has given me far more than I could ever put into words.”

He closed that letter with a thank-you to fans: “It has been my great honor to make music for you.”

From the Jaggerz to King Cool

Iris called Ellwood City his hometown. Slippery Rock Borough Mayor Jondavid R. Longo noted that he was born in New Castle and raised in Ellwood City.

His career milestones, as summarized by CBS Pittsburgh:

King Cool featured “Love Is Like a Rock,” “That’s the Way Love Ought to Be” and “My Girl.” Donnie Iris & The Cruisers went on to tour with acts including Journey, Loverboy, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett and Hall & Oates.

Pittsburgh pays tribute

Remembrances poured in Monday night. Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor posted on X: “Today, we lost a true Pittsburgh icon. Donnie Iris was more than a local legend - he was part of the soundtrack of our city.”

Former mayor Bill Peduto wrote that Iris “represented everything that was good about being a Pittsburgher,” calling him “a special man - talented, kind, welcoming & down to Earth.”

Other tributes reported by CBS Pittsburgh:

• The Steelers, Pirates and Penguins all shared tributes.
• U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio posted: “Fair winds and following seas to a Western PA legend, Donnie Iris.”
• Sean McDowell, a former Pittsburgh radio DJ and longtime friend, told KDKA-TV he wants Iris remembered “as King Cool, and just one of the nicest guys ever.”
• Slippery Rock Mayor Longo said Iris “cared about Slippery Rock enough to give his time and talent to charitable efforts that strengthened our community.”

Why it matters

Officials, sports teams and friends described Iris as part of the city’s identity, and his music spanned more than five decades, from “The Rapper” in 1970 to his final show this fall. The news drew wide attention on Monday night, especially across Western Pennsylvania, where he had performed only weeks earlier.

Funeral or memorial plans had not been reported as of early Tuesday.

FAQ