After a career spanning well over 50 years, Pittsburgh music legend Donnie Iris has decided to retire from performing live.
“After much thought, and in light of recent health issues, I have made the difficult decision to retire from future concert performances,” said Iris in a statement.
The 83-year-old Ellwood City native says his grand opening show at Citizens Live at the Wylie on September 28 marks his final live concert.
“It was a meaningful and fitting moment to share with all of you in my hometown,” said Iris. “Thank you all for showing me grace and gratitude at that performance.”
Iris said he is grateful for the audiences he has been able to perform in front of for decades.
“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. 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.”
Iris is one of the most well-known rock stars to come out of Pittsburgh with hits like “Ah! Leah”, “Love is Like a Rock”, “Agnes”, and more.
Iris also had success as a member of The Jaggerz and “The Rapper” and was briefly a member of the band “Wild Cherry”.
Iris took time off from touring in 2023 to focus on recovering from bladder cancer.
