Music Legend Donnie Iris Retires
The rocker’s last performance was at the new Citizens Live at The Wylie on Sept. 28.
PHOTO COURTESY DONNIE IRIS
The King of Cool is calling it a career.
In a letter posted to social media, rocker Donnie Iris announced his retirement from the stage.
“After much thought, and in light of recent health issues I have made the difficult decision to retire from future concert performances,” 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.”
A DONNIE IRIS MURAL IN GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE, OHIO. PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER
His final performance took place on Sept. 28 during the grand opening of Citizens Live at The Wylie, Pittsburgh’s newest concert venue.
Born in Ellwood City as Dominic Ierace, Iris rose to fame with locally based rock band The Jaggerz. Their song “The Rapper” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard charts.
In the 1980s, Donnie Iris & The Cruisers released popular tunes such as “Ah! Leah!” and “Love Is Like a Rock.”
