Rock singer Donnie Iris has died at the age of 83 following a three-year battle with bladder cancer, according to reporting from Post-gazette. Those close to him have shared memories of his final performance, a hometown concert in Pittsburgh on September 28.
Iris performed that last show while sitting in a chair, just hours after undergoing radiation treatment. The concert has become a lasting memory for those who knew him and witnessed the event.
Joe Grushecky, a colleague, reflected on Iris’ legacy and impact on the music community. “For my money, he was the most beloved Pittsburgh musician of all time,” Grushecky said. “I don’t know anyone who was loved more than Donnie. He just had that warmth about him, and it came through in his performance.”
Mark Avsec, who was present at the final show, described what he witnessed that night. “He sang like a bird that night,” Avsec said. “It was the first time on a chair, and he didn’t like that. But the poor guy, the cancer was spreading, and he was in pain, and he really wanted to do that show and be with the people.”
Rich Engler also reflected on the significance of that performance. “It probably was the best thing for him to play one last time,” he said.
Iris passed away on October 26 after his battle with cancer. The final concert in his hometown remains a powerful memory of his determination and love for performing.
Iris was diagnosed with bladder cancer shortly after his sold-out 80th birthday show in 2023. He initially canceled a concert in June 2023 following the diagnosis but returned to perform in March 2024 after chemotherapy treatment. In a June 2025 interview, Iris confirmed that doctors had surgically removed his bladder as part of his treatment.
As a member of the Jaggerz, Iris reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970 with “The Rapper”. Later, as the founder of Donnie Iris & The Cruisers alongside Mark Avsec, he scored another major hit with “Ah! Leah!” in 1980, which climbed to No. 29 on the Hot 100. The band had two more chart entries in 1981 with “Love Is Like a Rock” and “My Girl,” and toured with major acts including Journey, Loverboy, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett and Hall & Oates.
On October 9, just days before his final performance, Iris posted a retirement letter to social media announcing his decision to step back from concert performances. The final show took place on September 28 during the grand opening of Pittsburgh’s newest concert venue, Citizens Live at The Wylie. Despite his condition and the physical demands of performing from a chair, Iris delivered what would be his last performance for the audience he loved.
