Going to a Rolling Stones concert feels like peering through a mighty telescope, catching light that’s been journeying toward us since the dawn of time. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and their bandmates began captivating audiences shortly after rock ‘n’ roll itself was born. For fans in Pittsburgh, experiencing a performance by Donnie Iris and the Cruisers offers a similar thrill, especially since Iris hit the stage even before Jagger and Richards made their marks. Donnie Iris, much like the iconic Glimmer Twins, still commands the stage with his presence.
The recent sold-out show at Robert Morris University’s UPMC Events Center in Moon proved that Iris, despite his recent fight with cancer and having been a teenager during Elvis Presley’s rise to fame, hasn’t lost a step. The energy in the venue was electric, thanks to opening acts the Clarks and the Vindys from Youngstown, Ohio, setting the stage for a memorable “Luck of the Iris” concert right before St. Patrick’s Day.
The audience erupted into cheers, chanting “Donnie! Donnie! Donnie!” as the band dove into their hits from the 1980s, including top songs like “Love Is Like a Rock” and “Ah! Leah!” The performance of “Ah! Leah!” was a standout moment, with lead guitarist Marty Lee Hoenes playing a unique variation of the main riff and Iris adding a touching melancholy to the lyrics. The crowd sang along to the familiar tunes, reminiscing about the first time they heard these songs 44 years ago.
The setlist even included a throwback to the 1930s with a bluesy rendition of “Minnie the Moocher,” showcasing the band’s versatility. The Cruisers took the opportunity to shine, with Paul Goll’s bass solo transitioning into classics by Sly Stone and Queen, and Mark Avsec reminiscing about a song from their Wild Cherry days before launching into “Play That Funky Music.”
Iris, who had joined Wild Cherry after their hit song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976, was already familiar with chart success. His earlier band, the Jaggerz, had a hit with “The Rapper” in 1970. Decades later, Iris’s vocal prowess and stage presence remain undiminished, impressing fans who might struggle to match his energy.
The band, including guitarist Gary Jacob and drummer Kevin Valentine, supported Iris admirably. Avsec, a key songwriter and producer for the band, showcased his talents on drums, accordion, and keyboards. The evening also featured covers of classics by Deep Purple and the Beatles, with members of the Clarks and the Vindys joining for a rendition of the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter.”
The “Luck of the Iris” concert wasn’t just about music; it supported a good cause, with a portion of ticket sales going to the American Cancer Society. The event also celebrated World Down Syndrome Day, with a special guest named Jennifer joining the band on stage. The audience’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive, echoing the Cruisers’ sentiment: “Love can rock you / Never stop you / Ah, ah, ah, ah, love is like a rock!”
Harry Funk, a seasoned journalist with TribLive, brings stories like these to life. Having joined TribLive in 2022, he continues to share his passion for music and community through his writing. For more stories and insights, Harry can be reached at hfunk@triblive.com.