A very good friend of mine...we served in Iraq together...he was from Mt. Washington and he used to play Donnie Iris tunes for me when we deployed. He is now gone but these tunes remind me of our friendship and how much I miss him. He will always be missed by myself and the members of his team.
May he rest in peace, and thanks to you, him and all who served. Knowing he was a Donnie fan tells me he was a great guy... I'm glad he turned you onto DI.
Success never went to his head. Donny never forgot where he came from. How many people with his talent and success can say that? None that I've ever known. Donny is the real deal.
Met him at a wing night at a dive bar outside of Rochester that no longer exists. I was starstruck to say the least, but honestly he's ( in his own words ) just a regular guy. I would meet him once a month for wings for a few months. We talked music and life. Saw him a few yrs later when I was buying a house in his full time gig as a financial advisor for H&R Block. Still King Cool 😎
My mum went to the USA in 1993. Bought back 3 albums back to Perth Australia. I think I was the only teen in Australia that listened to Donny Iris. Nobody here even knows who he is and yet he made music like this. Such a shame he deserved WAY more promotion.
+chris pease Donnie Iris and the Cruisers are huge in Pittsburgh. So many great songs...I wish they could have been bigger nationally here in the US. That band has some very good musicians, such as guitarist Marty Lee and drummer Kevin Valentine. Don't forget Mark Avsec and Albritton McClain.
the other day I went to thrift store to thrift shopped I couldn't help myself when I discovered the huge collection of vinyls they had. you're probably thinking how on earth is this related to this video well I was going through all the one dollar vinyls and the donnie iris one caught my eye, it was in a paper slip that is the original one it came with but because it was in this slip could only see the centre of it and it was a beautiful sky with a rainbow. I grabbed it immediately and put it on the other day, I got up this morning and saw it on the top of my record player where I had placed it when I got home, I went to put it on but unfortunately its not in the greatest condition and it kept skipping. so then I hopped on my laptop and decided to research him and listen to the two songs on the record which are "joking"and "Ah! Leah!" I can now say I'm a fourteen year old Australian girl from Melbourne with pink hair that loves Donnie Iris. Now I'm probably the only teen that listens to donny iris is Australia.
Donnie & the Cruisers had a small (but relatively big) following Australia! "Agnes" was supposed to be their second single, after "Ah! Leah!" The record company picked a different song. But it was a single in Australia.
He's like the only male artist I've heard scream and made it sound GOOD!! 😂 I saw him when he used to open up for Michael Stanley. They don't make music like this anymore!! 😔
Probably my favorite Donnie tune and the one that I think epitomizes his sound and the Pittsburgh sound. From his powerful vocals and the smooth harmonies, to the throwback beat and his signature "Yeaaahhh", it's the whole package.
Patty, I agree whole heartedly about this song. I was rocking this song on my tape deck growing up in Arizona back in '81 in high school. Hardly anyone knew who he was in the desert. But I was fortunate to hear "Love Is Like A Rock" one single time on a Phoenix rock station and several months later tracked down the artist. Been a fan ever since.
Just saw him March 17 2018 in Cleveland...this man is 75 and still belts out the songs....screamin included. He's freaking awesome. Got an autograph and a picture too!!! Trust me...he's still got it!!!
semroz245, This has ALWAYS been my absolute FAVORITE Donnie Iris song. The melodies, guitar work, bridges... LOOOOOOVE this song. To me, better than "Ah, Leah".
I’m from a small town in western PA and my brothers had this album and I always played it getting ready to go out! My brother went to college with Donnie Iris’ daughter. He’s still hot!!!
One of the best "scream vocals" ever in rock right here on this song and it was done in 1981. Is it Robert Plant? No. Is it Roger Daltry? Nah. Is it Terry Reid? Wrong again. Maybe Lee Michaels? Not this time. It's Donnie Iris. The R&R Hall of Fame may not know his name but he is a bonafide American rock legend with the pipes and repertoire to prove it. To those familiar with his body of work -- and it isn't thin. The man is incredible. Shares obscurity with another Midwest rocker with a fabulous voice -- J.D. Blackfoot ("Ultimate Prophecy") Donnie Iris -- Established 1980 and still performing. (An upload of his fantastic "Within Me + Without You" track from "Poletown" would be appreciated).
One of my favorite Donnie Iris song. I saw him sing this tonight at the Ronins Theater in Warren Ohio. Even at 79 he could still hit all the high notes he’s known for. He did trip and fall but got right back up and gave us a great show. Tonight was my 6th time seeing him live ever since I got his King Cool album in the 80’s. I’ll keep going to his concerts for as long as he’s able to perform.
@@cindyb3028 - That's great Cindy. I can't believe he's 79. I guess we won't be hearing any new songs from him about going out with young girls, frolicking with his buddies, or being "back on the streets." No matter. I liked every album he released, but his early ones were the best. His voice is still sharp as ever. It's been a long time since he recorded new stuff -- I know it's not easy, but one more big rock n' roll album would be nice. I feel he should be in the R&R Hall of Fame far more than many of the names they list. He's rock music in the Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Burnette mold. And he's deserving. Great rock vocalist. Thanks for telling us about your concert experience.
What a magical time it was to live in Pittsburgh back then. They were the rock capital of the world in the 70's and 80's. Recognize naysayers. Its true. Anyone that went to graffiti's in the 80's would tell you that. The memories will last forever.
I saw nine inch nails there before they became a household name. Graffiti - the best! as good as stedafords records. Greatest record store ever. I may have mis-spelled that.
listen to all kinds of music, which makes the good good and the bad, well bad. This is top notch, literal classic. so glad dad put me onto this when i was a child. Went to see this man recently, 70 year old donnie iris, still AMAZING, thanks Donnie, you're a legend.
This song goes out to my female Friends on Kik. Out of all the males on this app they choose me overall to be their friend. Much appreciation Ladies and thank you for your friendship. 😊😎✌💙
I feel badly that Donnie Iris wasn't the superstar that he deserved to be.He was better than a bunch of assholes that music machinery turned into stars.The Cruisers was a band with a sound very well crafted where recording studio job was excellent. Many things about 80s I cannot understand because they are in a criteria that has no sense of musical values
LOL LOL 😂. Me too. My cat knows this song from the start and as soon as I turn it on she heads for the hills (even though I secretly hear her singing YEEEAAAH...YEAAAHH too LOL)🐈😀😬😳
+Dawn Matheny Ah Leah, Love is Like a Rock and My Girl did the best. My Girl got as high as 25 on Top 40, but the other songs are better known from their play on FM Rock stations. Saw him this Summer - and that dude can still belt out a tune -- unbelievable!!
@svg151 Amen. Donnie is the High Priest of rock in Pittsburgh... with all due respect to The Clarks and Gathering Field. It is a shame he didn't get more national play, but Donnie is an icon in Western PA... and songs like this show why. Rock on Donnie!
God, the guitar tone... just KILLS on this song! I'd love to know what kind of Amp is being used, and what settings and add-on pedal effects are in use, to produce that tone... That six string's WAILIN'!!
Totally agree Curtis! I should've went in their studio back then and looked because we were doing a demo recording in the studio down the hall. Definitely killer tone, sounds like he's plugged straight into the wall it's so electric sounding
I am from Cleveland and I am not jealous. I love Donnie and appreciate his music. I don't care where he's from. I am just happy we have his amazing music.
That seems familiar...life seemed so much simpler back then! I'm actually surprised that they never tried to bring back Solid Gold, like they attempted with other 70s/80s shows. Although we didn't have too many genres of music, did we?
i used to open up for Donnie back in the 80's in a band called XPOZURE. i have seen this band many times and i have noticed that all of his songs paint a picture...they put you in the scene like youre watching a movie. these guys should have been superstars.
Donnie is an old friend of my husbands. If anyone still sees Donnie please let him know that Janice Banyasz and Bill Banyasz have died. Please let Donnie also know that Lester Smith has died also. We LOVE YOU DONNIE!!
I would say that whiskers7707's comment "Steelers still suck" is extremely pathetic. He/she is mostly just angry that they are kicking ass this season and have an excellent chance at making it to the Superbowl again. I want to see them and the Green Bay Packers make it to the next Superbowl and this time see the Pittsburgh Steelers conquer them and spit their loss against them from the last Superbowl back in their fucking faces! Steelers all the way!!! ~Dutch
A very good friend of mine...we served in Iraq together...he was from Mt. Washington and he used to play Donnie Iris tunes for me when we deployed. He is now gone but these tunes remind me of our friendship and how much I miss him. He will always be missed by myself and the members of his team.
May he rest in peace, and thanks to you, him and all who served. Knowing he was a Donnie fan tells me he was a great guy... I'm glad he turned you onto DI.
Thank you for your service
HE'S COMING TO THE CANTON PALACE THEATRE
Thank you so very much for your service! 😀👏👏
Thank you for your service.
Best Donnie Iris song. Thanks Donnie for representing Pgh.
My favorite Donny Iris song. How I miss those days. After a performance, he'll stay and shake every fan's hand at the stage.
Success never went to his head. Donny never forgot where he came from. How many people with his talent and success can say that? None that I've ever known. Donny is the real deal.
He's still doing that.
Met him at a wing night at a dive bar outside of Rochester that no longer exists. I was starstruck to say the least, but honestly he's ( in his own words ) just a regular guy. I would meet him once a month for wings for a few months. We talked music and life. Saw him a few yrs later when I was buying a house in his full time gig as a financial advisor for H&R Block. Still King Cool 😎
My mum went to the USA in 1993. Bought back 3 albums back to Perth Australia. I think I was the only teen in Australia that listened to Donny Iris. Nobody here even knows who he is and yet he made music like this. Such a shame he deserved WAY more promotion.
+chris pease Donnie Iris and the Cruisers are huge in Pittsburgh. So many great songs...I wish they could have been bigger nationally here in the US. That band has some very good musicians, such as guitarist Marty Lee and drummer Kevin Valentine. Don't forget Mark Avsec and Albritton McClain.
+Michael Kazmar Yeah there music always puts a smile on my face. Makes me think of when I was a teenager.
chris pease Great story. Thank you.
the other day I went to thrift store to thrift shopped I couldn't help myself when I discovered the huge collection of vinyls they had.
you're probably thinking how on earth is this related to this video well I was going through all the one dollar vinyls and the donnie iris one caught my eye, it was in a paper slip that is the original one it came with but because it was in this slip could only see the centre of it and it was a beautiful sky with a rainbow. I grabbed it immediately and put it on the other day, I got up this morning and saw it on the top of my record player where I had placed it when I got home, I went to put it on but unfortunately its not in the greatest condition and it kept skipping.
so then I hopped on my laptop and decided to research him and listen to the two songs on the record which are "joking"and "Ah! Leah!"
I can now say I'm a fourteen year old Australian girl from Melbourne with pink hair that loves Donnie Iris.
Now I'm probably the only teen that listens to donny iris is Australia.
Donnie & the Cruisers had a small (but relatively big) following Australia! "Agnes" was supposed to be their second single, after "Ah! Leah!" The record company picked a different song. But it was a single in Australia.
Donny Iris...so talented and so unknown...today's music pales in comparison.
He's like the only male artist I've heard scream and made it sound GOOD!! 😂 I saw him when he used to open up for Michael Stanley. They don't make music like this anymore!! 😔
That's some seriously good music and belting glad to be from Pittsburgh as well
Same here, Pittsburgh had the Best local Bands back in the day!
@@julenepegher6999 ... Philly had more. 😏 ..Just sayin' .... 🦅 🥨 🔔
@@tracyhall6195 you wanna make a bet? Hahaha. Cheers!
Probably my favorite Donnie tune and the one that I think epitomizes his sound and the Pittsburgh sound. From his powerful vocals and the smooth harmonies, to the throwback beat and his signature "Yeaaahhh", it's the whole package.
Patty, I agree whole heartedly about this song. I was rocking this song on my tape deck growing up in Arizona back in '81 in high school. Hardly anyone knew who he was in the desert. But I was fortunate to hear "Love Is Like A Rock" one single time on a Phoenix rock station and several months later tracked down the artist. Been a fan ever since.
He is the Pittsburgh sound.
My favorite, too.
Still love this song !
Just saw him March 17 2018 in Cleveland...this man is 75 and still belts out the songs....screamin included. He's freaking awesome. Got an autograph and a picture too!!! Trust me...he's still got it!!!
Saw him in Lorain couple years ago, he was kicking it out!
This song is so underrated. It has the hook, it has so much going on. It's a pop/rock masterpiece!
I live in Donnie Iris country and this is my favorite song of his.
Probably one of the reasons you know it. WRRK used to play it a lot.
@@ryanstarkey3011 Then I may have also played it at one of the stations I worked at.
Mr Pixburgh forever...Love the Don of Iris...he is the greatest
GREAT song that didn't get enough attention...
semroz245, This has ALWAYS been my absolute FAVORITE Donnie Iris song. The melodies, guitar work, bridges... LOOOOOOVE this song. To me, better than "Ah, Leah".
I agree! this is a great rock song, great construction, harmonies, bridge, climax... lyrical. always wanted to play or sing this live. ah memories.
Takes me back to my youth. Great band. Great album.
Genius "get closer... little closer ...kiss me" ...aaahhh love this song... high energy on stage (old video) wow
I WORE this cassette out!!😂😂 💖 me some Donnie Iris!!
I’m from a small town in western PA and my brothers had this album and I always played it getting ready to go out! My brother went to college with Donnie Iris’ daughter. He’s still hot!!!
Met him in Cleveland years ago. Long story, helluva nice guy!. Always a favorite of mine.
One of the best "scream vocals" ever in rock right here on this song and it was done in 1981. Is it Robert Plant? No. Is it Roger Daltry? Nah. Is it Terry Reid? Wrong again. Maybe Lee Michaels? Not this time. It's Donnie Iris.
The R&R Hall of Fame may not know his name but he is a bonafide American rock legend with the pipes and repertoire to prove it. To those familiar with his body of work -- and it isn't thin. The man is incredible. Shares obscurity with another Midwest rocker with a fabulous voice -- J.D. Blackfoot ("Ultimate Prophecy")
Donnie Iris -- Established 1980 and still performing.
(An upload of his fantastic "Within Me + Without You" track from "Poletown" would be appreciated).
One of my favorite Donnie Iris song. I saw him sing this tonight at the Ronins Theater in Warren Ohio. Even at 79 he could still hit all the high notes he’s known for. He did trip and fall but got right back up and gave us a great show. Tonight was my 6th time seeing him live ever since I got his King Cool album in the 80’s. I’ll keep going to his concerts for as long as he’s able to perform.
@@cindyb3028 - That's great Cindy. I can't believe he's 79.
I guess we won't be hearing any new songs from him about going out with young girls, frolicking with his buddies, or being "back on the streets." No matter.
I liked every album he released, but his early ones were the best. His voice is still sharp as ever. It's been a long time since he recorded new stuff -- I know it's not easy, but one more big rock n' roll album would be nice.
I feel he should be in the R&R Hall of Fame far more than many of the names they list. He's rock music in the Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Burnette mold. And he's deserving. Great rock vocalist.
Thanks for telling us about your concert experience.
The record company should have released this as a single!
Good ole Pittsburgh Rock! awesome
This is one fantastic song.
Song kicks ass, good guitar, awesome vocals - wish I still heard it on the radio in good ole Youngstown, Ohio. Thanks!!
Donny Iris is the shit. That's the way love outta be!!
Such a great tune! I remember seeing him in concert, so talented and didn’t get the exposure they deserved! ❤️
Absolutely brilliant!!! One of his best songs! The singing from 2:48 onwards and especially at 3:21 ......goosebumps...
Awesome voice and great entertainer.
one of the top 5 feel good songs in music history!!
Thank you Chris Lockner for posting this album! So good 😘💞
One of Mr. Iris's signature songs along with "Ah Leah".
Real talent doesn’t need Autotune...may I present Exhibit A...Donnie Iris.
One of my favorite Donnie Irius songs.
Definitely the king of cool 😎!!!
this song is VERY under appreciated
This is my favorite Donnie song!
Do you know this man is pushing 70!!! AND CAN STILL BELT OUT THIS SONG!! DONNIE IS A ROCKER FOR LIFE FOR SURE!! ROCK ON DONNIE!! LOVE YA!
OMG-my favorite song....saw him live after awesome Steeler game back in 1995-thanx for bringin back the greatest memories!
What a magical time it was to live in Pittsburgh back then. They were the rock capital of the world in the 70's and 80's. Recognize naysayers. Its true. Anyone that went to graffiti's in the 80's would tell you that. The memories will last forever.
jimmy and stevie dve hasn't been the same
themopar426 That's sad to hear. That was the best rock station ever. *****
Graffiti's battle of the bands! Loved it there every weekend, along with the Decade on the corner of rock n roll... Ahhh those were the days!
I saw nine inch nails there before they became a household name. Graffiti - the best! as good as stedafords records. Greatest record store ever. I may have mis-spelled that.
Martha Sasinoski and WDVE Rocks!
listen to all kinds of music, which makes the good good and the bad, well bad. This is top notch, literal classic. so glad dad put me onto this when i was a child. Went to see this man recently, 70 year old donnie iris, still AMAZING, thanks Donnie, you're a legend.
Should have been a nationwide hit. His manager/ promoter did not do a good job. Great song.
Finally got to meet Donnie when he played at a community day event a few years ago. He is still out there playing.
Thanks for posting this song !
My absolute Donnie favorite from way back....
I still love this song. Such a rocker!
one of his greatest tunes
Hall of famer!!
He makes use of the power chord to perfection. Great song.
This song goes out to my female Friends on Kik. Out of all the males on this app they choose me overall to be their friend. Much appreciation Ladies and thank you for your friendship. 😊😎✌💙
never heard if this guy till today. LOVE HIM!!! Nice sound! He rocks!
The way a burg guy says " I Love You to his woman".
DOONNIEE PGH ROCK ICON FOREVER!!
Saw Donnie Iris on the Gateway Clipper back in 2005, the Boo Cruise around Halloween. Definitely worth the trip from NJ.
Have this album in my collection..great!
Yeah, that's the way rock ought to be, as well...Stay cool, Donnie!
I feel badly that Donnie Iris wasn't the superstar that he deserved to be.He was better than a bunch of assholes that music machinery turned into stars.The Cruisers was a band with a sound very well crafted where recording studio job was excellent. Many things about 80s I cannot understand because they are in a criteria that has no sense of musical values
Happy 75th Birthday Donnie
3:15 is when my cat makes a beeline outta the room...he knows I'm about to be screaming YEAAAAHHHHH YEAAAAAHHHH YEAAAHHHHHH.
LOL LOL 😂. Me too. My cat knows this song from the start and as soon as I turn it on she heads for the hills (even though I secretly hear her singing YEEEAAAH...YEAAAHH too LOL)🐈😀😬😳
😂😂😂😂
thanks!
did any of his songs ever go national? saw him live several times in the 80' s. he is awesome ! brings back great memories
+Dawn Matheny Ah Leah, Love is Like a Rock and My Girl did the best. My Girl got as high as 25 on Top 40, but the other songs are better known from their play on FM Rock stations. Saw him this Summer - and that dude can still belt out a tune -- unbelievable!!
Dawn Matheny Also he was the leader of a group called The Jaggerz.They hit the top of the charts with "The Rapper" in '70.
@svg151 Amen. Donnie is the High Priest of rock in Pittsburgh... with all due respect to The Clarks and Gathering Field. It is a shame he didn't get more national play, but Donnie is an icon in Western PA... and songs like this show why. Rock on Donnie!
this song says the truth, and that is everyone does need someone to love
thats the way
love oughta be
thats the way
love oughta be
thats the way
yeahhhhhhhhh
ohhhhhh ohhh
God, the guitar tone... just KILLS on this song! I'd love to know what kind of Amp is being used, and what settings and add-on pedal effects are in use, to produce that tone... That six string's WAILIN'!!
Totally agree Curtis! I should've went in their studio back then and looked because we were doing a demo recording in the studio down the hall. Definitely killer tone, sounds like he's plugged straight into the wall it's so electric sounding
Just my opinion... KISS just wishes they could rock like this! They couldn't!
Oh my, it's melodic!
Great tune, sounds like Todd Rundgren in many parts like keyboards.
Actually love it.. great tune
3:20 - Axl Rose before Axl Rose was Axl Rose.
"I get my disabiwity check an POW! It's dahn ta Pants 'n 'Nat!"
One of the Iris Triplets: Connie, Lonnie, and Donnie
Donnie is just one more thing that makes Pittsburgh great, and Cleveland jealous.
Truth
I am from Cleveland and I am not jealous. I love Donnie and appreciate his music. I don't care where he's from. I am just happy we have his amazing music.
Good stuff.
Was Donnie taking a stab at doing a Todd Rundgren song with this? Very nice!
..with a sprinkle of Fee Waybill & The TUBES !! 😎
Yinz goin dahntahn , then to the sath side to see Dahnie?! Iykyk
Why does this song remind me of Solid Gold...also it makes me want to spin around in circles...?
im pretty sure he was on solid gold. like prism was. remember them singing don't let her go?
That seems familiar...life seemed so much simpler back then! I'm actually surprised that they never tried to bring back Solid Gold, like they attempted with other 70s/80s shows. Although we didn't have too many genres of music, did we?
i used to open up for Donnie back in the 80's in a band called XPOZURE. i have seen this band many times and i have noticed that all of his songs paint a picture...they put you in the scene like youre watching a movie. these guys should have been superstars.
Ah yes, the decadent 80s! :)
Good songs, or stories, always paint a great picture, don't they?
Hey Doc, keep up the good work...how about "The Promise"?
muito bom!
I second that
♪ ♫ YEEAAAAAAHHHHHHHHEEHHHYEEEEAHHHHH YEEAAAAAAHHHHHHHHEEHHHYEAHHHHH ♪♫ You can't fake that shit. : )
Aces in Johnstown !
Dominic Ierace aka Donnie Iris.
The riff is very similar to nightrain by guns n roses and also vocals in the final part really close to axl rose
Pittsburgh people 😃
👍👍 💪 🍻
Donnie a four star performer.
posted!
I put Donnie Iris right up there with Billy Joel , Tom Petty, ect
Donnie is an old friend of my husbands. If anyone still sees Donnie please let him know that Janice Banyasz and Bill Banyasz have died. Please let Donnie also know that Lester Smith has died also. We LOVE YOU DONNIE!!
your welcome!
GO STEELERS / THANKS DONNIE FOR KICKING ASS!!!!!!!
DON NIE DON NIE DON NIE DON NIE!
Come a little closer, a little closer.....NOW KISS ME😗💋😘
fucki in awesome
Pittsburgh
tried to be nice.....really fuccccen cool ..met him once ..really quiet
LOL! Pittsburgh was never the rock capital of the world. That's funny. I live here, I played in bands. Never ever was relevant.
I would say that whiskers7707's comment "Steelers still suck" is extremely pathetic. He/she is mostly just angry that they are kicking ass this season and have an excellent chance at making it to the Superbowl again. I want to see them and the Green Bay Packers make it to the next Superbowl and this time see the Pittsburgh Steelers conquer them and spit their loss against them from the last Superbowl back in their fucking faces!
Steelers all the way!!!
~Dutch
The live version on stage is alot better..
ow
your welcome!