Donnie Iris says his last show is already over as the 'The Rapper' and 'Ah! Leah!' singer retires
Donnie Iris, 83, is retiring from live performance because of recent health issues. He said his final concert took place Sept. 28 in Pittsburgh.
Donnie Iris has announced that he is retiring from future concert performances, ending a live run that carried him from 1970s radio fame into a successful 1980s solo career. The 83-year-old said recent health issues led to the decision, and told fans that his final show has already taken place.
Iris shared the news on Facebook on Oct. 9, 2026, addressing fans, family, friends and bandmates. He said the choice came after much thought and was largely tied to recent health issues. In his message, he described music as a source of joy and inspiration throughout every stage of his life and thanked the people who helped make that life possible, including his daughters, family, musicians, crew members, promoters, venues and fans.
He also made clear that the change takes effect now. Iris said his last performance was Sept. 28, at the grand opening of Citizens Live at The Wylie, described as Pittsburgh's newest concert venue. He called it a meaningful and fitting occasion to share in his hometown and thanked those who showed him grace and gratitude at that performance. While he said he will no longer appear in live concerts, he added that the music, memories and connections built over the years will remain close to him.
For longtime oldies and classic rock listeners, the retirement closes a chapter that began with the Jaggerz. The Pittsburgh-area native first broke through with "The Rapper," the 1970 hit he wrote and sang with the band. The song appeared on the Jaggerz' second album, We Went to Different Schools Together, and was released as a single in December 1969. It first gained traction in Pennsylvania before spreading nationally. It did not reach the top of Billboard because Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" held that spot, but it did reach number 1 in Record World.
Iris later spent time with Wild Cherry before launching a solo run. In 1980, he released his debut album with Donnie Iris and the Cruisers. Between 1980 and 1985, he placed seven singles in the top 100, with "Ah! Leah!" among the best known, and five of his albums made the Billboard LPs chart. For fans who still hoped to catch him onstage, his Sept. 28 hometown appearance now stands as the final live performance of that long recording and touring career.
