![]() “He has a gig out in California and it’s tough for him to get back to gig with us, but any time he’s free and can make it, he’s the drummer,” Iris said. Valentine, a Hollywood sound mixer for television and movies, is expected to fly in for the Akron show. Iris continues to wave the rock flag in Ohio and Pennsylvania, scheduling concerts about every other month or so. “If anybody would know, it would be me and some of the guys in the group,” Iris said. He had kept the illness secret - even from Iris. Stanley died March 5, 2021, after battling lung cancer. That’s how we got hooked up for all those shows.” The three shows drew more than 64,000 people, a Blossom record until MSB broke it a year later with four concerts and 74,404 people. “Those were special gigs, man,” Iris said. Iris released a concert video, “Live at Blossom,” whose videos were in constant rotation on MTV. Northeast Ohio residents will remember Iris as the opening act for Cleveland’s Michael Stanley Band during three sold-out concerts at Blossom Music Center in August 1981. These days, he favors wearing T-shirts onstage. Iris joked that he’s framed his famous yellow suit. ![]() His other hits include “Sweet Merilee,” “My Girl,” “That’s the Way Love Ought to Be,” “Tough World,” “This Time It Must Be Love,” “Do You Compute?” and “Injured in the Game of Love.” With a yellow suit and Buddy Holly-style glasses, Iris stood out from other lead singers, but it was his distinctive voice, catchy songs and patented scream that conquered the airwaves. So far, everything’s been fine.”ĭonnie Iris & The Cruisers debuted in 1980 with the album “Back on the Streets,” featuring the Top 40 rocker “Ah! Leah!” The 1981 follow-up, “King Cool,” featured the hit “Love Is Like a Rock.” I just go out and start doing it and hope that everything’s OK. Iris grew up in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, while lead guitarist Marty Lee Hoenes and bassist Paul Goll are from Erie. Keyboardist Mark Avsec and drummer Kevin Valentine are Cleveland natives. Iris plays mostly in Pennsylvania and Ohio these days. He has made the trip to Ohio so many times over the decades - most recently to the Kent Stage on April 16 - that he practically has every sign memorized on Interstate 76 and Interstate 80. It’ll be fun,” Iris promised during a phone call from his home in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. Opening act Ravenwood, fronted by North Canton’s Joe Vitale Jr., will begin at 7. Iris, whose hits include “Ah! Leah!” and “Love Is Like a Rock,” is scheduled to take the stage at 8 p.m. He and his band, The Cruisers, will return to Ohio this weekend when the Akron Civic Theatre and 97.5 WONE sponsor a special outdoor concert Saturday at next-door Lock 3 on South Main Street. ![]() More: 2022 Blossom Music Center schedule crowded: Here’s who’s coming (so far)Īt age 79, Iris is defying age - and science - with energetic performances and a high-powered voice that younger singers wish they possessed. “You’ve still got it, Donnie!” a fan shouted from the audience. It was more than halfway through the concert this spring in Kent.ĭonnie Iris sank to his knees onstage, threw back his head and let loose with a barrage of his trademark, high-pitched screams.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |