Earlier today, at a young 83, Donnie Iris has passed, complications from cancer.
Growing up in pitt, there is no way you DIDNT know him.
There is no way you didnt meet him at shows, there is no way you didnt sometime, somewhere, see him on the street or in a store. In a very distant fashion, my step dads family is related to his, they got off the boat and as Ellis oft did, totally morked up the 'official' last name. (pronounced 'eee-r-achi' in the old country). When I got married to current DW, I got meet and greet tix so she could 'go dahn donnie iris' (its a burgh thing) Thats when we found out his daughter lived right next to her near baltimore. Thats how personable he was.
I cannot even count how many shows I saw of his, starting when I was in HS. Clubs, convention centers, colleges, the chevy amp, nicks fat city, jergels, good lord the list can go on.
I consider Donnie a friend, but thats not spectacular per se, he was EVERYONES friend around the city. I never saw a performer so genuinely enjoy putting on a show and giving 100%
Couple weeks or so ago he opened a new performing arts center and said a few cryptic things, and then announced, he will no longer perform etc etc, I had a feeling. The cancer came back.
Over the years, Mark Avsec (keyboards) had always said he was going to die first, and when he does, next show opens with 'Agnes'....well things dont always go as planned.
If you have nothing better to do tonight, dig out your copy of King Cool and let er rip.
God speed buddy and thanks again...
Growing up in pitt, there is no way you DIDNT know him.
There is no way you didnt meet him at shows, there is no way you didnt sometime, somewhere, see him on the street or in a store. In a very distant fashion, my step dads family is related to his, they got off the boat and as Ellis oft did, totally morked up the 'official' last name. (pronounced 'eee-r-achi' in the old country). When I got married to current DW, I got meet and greet tix so she could 'go dahn donnie iris' (its a burgh thing) Thats when we found out his daughter lived right next to her near baltimore. Thats how personable he was.
I cannot even count how many shows I saw of his, starting when I was in HS. Clubs, convention centers, colleges, the chevy amp, nicks fat city, jergels, good lord the list can go on.
I consider Donnie a friend, but thats not spectacular per se, he was EVERYONES friend around the city. I never saw a performer so genuinely enjoy putting on a show and giving 100%
Couple weeks or so ago he opened a new performing arts center and said a few cryptic things, and then announced, he will no longer perform etc etc, I had a feeling. The cancer came back.
Over the years, Mark Avsec (keyboards) had always said he was going to die first, and when he does, next show opens with 'Agnes'....well things dont always go as planned.
If you have nothing better to do tonight, dig out your copy of King Cool and let er rip.
God speed buddy and thanks again...
