Donnie Iris, the Pittsburgh-area rocker behind “Ah! Leah!” and the Jaggerz’ 1970 hit “The Rapper,” died Monday, Oct. 26, at 83.

Joe Vitale Jr., who played drums in Iris’ band, the Cruisers, shared the news on Facebook. “Today my boss and friend Donnie Iris passed away at the age of 83,” he wrote, according to Parade .

What Was Donnie Iris’ Cause of Death?

Iris had been fighting bladder cancer for three years, Variety reported . Doctors found it in 2023, shortly after he played a sold-out show for his 80th birthday, CBS Pittsburgh reported . He canceled several dates at the time, then went back to performing.

Mark Avsec, his longtime keyboard player and best friend, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that “the cancer was spreading, and he was in pain,” per Variety.

His Last Show Was a Month Ago

Iris played his final concert on Sept. 28 at Citizens Live at The Wylie, a new Pittsburgh venue holding its grand opening.…