(File Photo: Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A celebration to honor the life and legacy of the late legendary Pittsburgh musician Donnie Iris will take place on Monday, November 9th at Citizens Live at The Wylie in Pittsburgh.

This event is called “A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Iris,” and it is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. 

It will feature memories shared by family and friends of Iris, as well as longtime band members and other musicians while also highlighting his contributions to the local music community. 

This event is free and it is open to the public.

Organizers are encouraging guests to RSVP in advance by clicking here to help the venue with capacity planning, because registration provides entry tickets. 

Donnie Iris was born Dominic Ierace.

He passed away at the age of 83 on October 26th, 2026 after a battle with bladder cancer.

Iris gained national fame by singing with the Jaggerz on their #1 song, “The Rapper,” and was also a former member of Wild Cherry.

Iris and partner Mark Avsec founded Donnie Iris and the Cruisers and their hit songs include, “Ah, Leah!,” “Love is Like a Rock,” and “That’s the Way Love Ought to Be.”