DONNIE IRIS & THE CRUISERS: AH LEAH! Live 1981

[@Soundmanfh]

I am just an old-school soundman. Been in the business for over 35 years. Shows like this were done with analog equipment and tube amplifiers. That is why so many of older live music fans will never forget Bonn Scott singing and Angus killing chords, Ted Nugent, ZZ Top, Blue Oyster Cult and tons of others like Donnie Iris, Rush, and Cheap Trick. The feedback of mics and big monitors made the shows. They melted together on stage and we melted with them. Great times.

[@dansweda712]

So right, when I think of some of the best live performances Donny Iris is one that comes to mind, although this video performance sounds about a quarter speed too fast, I seen them on a monsters of rock tour in 1989

[@jj-eo7bj]

Good point

[@bobgomez9481]

This is why digital music sucks. Music ended in 2000 or so.

[@wtrbflo72]

@@bobgomez9481 I don't know about it sucking....tremendously changing I will give you!

[@soonerjoe157]

I saw every one of those bands before I was 18 in Tulsa between 1976 and 1980! And I have the hearing to prove it. Those were the days!

[@johnnygonzales6527]

This is a great song and sounds better live

[@roberttompkins6489]

He hit it out of the park with this song.

[@Ahhlia]

When people ask how to pronounce my name, I start singing Ahh Leah!

[@lonewolfomegamale690]

YES!!! 😎🖤💛🤘

[@twoofuswearingraincoats34]

That is so sweet. Fab.

[@yousawithere2676]

It’s been a long long time

[@richardpancoast1210]

My Doctor was named after this song!

[@marksc1929]

Awesome

[@franktorres1634]

This generation of music will never be as good as this

[@torybrown7730]

I agree 100%

[@alexs3447]

@@torybrown7730 Today's music is crap compared to this

[@DaveSmith-v3t]

that generation will be wiping your ass old timer

[@steveshotwell-rg3pi]

@@franktorres1634 I would love to Donnie Iris, me and my sister said we would fly 🕊️ up there from Florida to see him and his band, I don't care what it costs ✌️☮️😱🚗🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓🚓

[@GarthWatkins-th3jt]

​@@steveshotwell-rg3piI just watched a video of these guys performing live, he is still killin' it at 81yo! Unreal, I'm so happy for them, it must be a joy to be able to perform and have an audience that loves it. Simply amazing

[@MissUkuleleFreak]

My mother named me "Leah" after this song. She said she was at the car wash and this song came on and she knew immediately this was going to be the name of her daughter if she were to have one. Needless to say, she popped me out. I'm am very happy and proud to be named after a Donnie Iris song!!!!

[@dmanwainright2132]

I love it, love it, love it!!!

[@mariomartinelli3333]

What a great name to be called after such a great song! I named my daughter Paige, after Jimmy Page! It all comes down to rock n roll. GOD Bless You!

[@Martin-iv6lq]

That's about as weird a story as I ever heard. Naming your kid after a song you heard while in a car wash.

[@valeriepeters245]

We have an Aliyah

[@otherworld11]

Priceless

[@reneemeston7119]

Best song ever!!!!!!!!!! I'm 56. It's 2024. Donnie is 80 or 81. What the heck! Rock on everyone!

[@fiery1962]

Anyone who can stand up in a tweety-pie yellow suit and pull off this rock song gets my thumbs up. Quality performance.

[@davethewave65]

lol

[@HappyQuailsLC]

The entrance and the arm gestures were perfect along with the primal screams down on his knees in the floor and the outstretched arms!

[@mikeboonie4375]

Dudes bad ass

[@geonerd]

What's next, some dude in a schoolboy uniform? ;)

[@tinasuarez61]

This song Still Rocks in October 2019! This IS Real Live Music! 80's Forever!!

[@jtommy7545]

I get so depressed for rock n' roll when I listen to today's music. Thank God for these videos.

[@Comet-hn3gm]

I don't listen to the music of today.

[@devonchambers7569]

And we still groove on this in 2024. Love it!

[@joehunter6819]

Donnie Iris outdone himself here in this live setting, it's one great song that's stood the test of time, and we listen to this song everyday, Thank You Donnie for this great memory!!!

[@kerrimiller3397]

Right on Pittsburgh Pa man as I am grew up with this still love it

[@lindabergman3127]

This is a masterpiece imo🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@roberthanson1680]

Pure awesome, anyone else miss our wonderful past?

[@saraleigh6777]

all the time Robert

[@JamesDHTK]

everyday. everyday, my friend. my youth...

[@WescottF1]

Indeed

[@geoffreyholliday1971]

Music today sucks.......

[@jennifermc809]

Robert Hanson everyday my friend 💙

[@patrickrabion9473]

When I listen to this song, all my neighbors are too.

[@lemurianchick]

Original.

[@bullsboat1]

They are right now! 🤣🤣

[@markking4472]

Just saw Donnie at his 80th birthday bash Saturday night! Still Rocking after all these years. Never disappoints at any of his shows!

[@melissadavis225]

Oh God I'd love to have seen that ..😂😢🎉❤❤

[@leahmarie112]

As a girl named Leah. I have to say, this song it great ;)

[@michaelsievers8476]

Leah Marie yeah...

[@dynjarren7523]

Aaaah! Leia! When’s it ever gonna end?

[@dynjarren7523]

Our Love we can’t pretend!

[@richardkey4289]

Leah Marie ahhh, Leah!

[@Joeymcgohon]

Your beautiful leah!!!

[@BloozeRockJunky]

Donnie and the boys are still around. They gig regularly around Pittsburgh and the Great Lakes area. They can still rock!

[@janeelliott2779]

Blooze RockJunky Where around Pittsburgh❓. I'd love to see and hear them again😊♥️😊♥️😊

[@kennyplay5982]

They are now Warming up for STYX!!!

[@charlesgrybosky1916]

@@janeelliott2779 going to see them in Greensburg at the Palace next month!

[@ronwolk6401]

Just saw them last night at the Palace in Greensburg. 79 and still rocking! Awesome.

[@billschwenke790]

over 10 years since ....now, after Covid shutdown too.... I'd like to see him team up with Tubes' Fee Waybill since they seem very similar

[@mijomcgyver6270]

This tune is definitely on the soundtrack of my teen years. I was 14 when it came out, living what I now realize were the some of the best times of my life. Great performance of a timeless classic.

[@oldViking66]

We are the same age and yes those were great years!!

[@SenorPlaid]

The thing I love most about this performance is Donnie Iris himself. Look how much he's loving doing this song.

[@LadyGreyBlack]

He's very vibrant here, and not just the suit, either! To catch that bowtie in he crowd.

[@jameswahnee-vn5nt]

​@@LadyGreyBlackYes ma'am Miss Lady

[@odefonz]

I've loved this song ever since it came out.

[@jerryhart4073]

This song and their dress code launched Miami Vice and never got recognition.

[@stevenjschuler1169]

I first purchased it on a 45 single now that being said I’m stating my age as prehistoric

[@jameswatts632]

This song is the most underrated rock song of all-time!! I'm going to request this on my classic rock station in Charleston S.C.

[@martymcpeak4748]

That tone that guitarist has an unreal tone, that Les Paul was screaming. And that 3 part harmony, what a talented band.

[@bobgomez9481]

yeah and he gets no credit on the video. Marty the caveman was not the lead player.

[@mariomartinelli3333]

Everybody in that band played their hearts out. Don't see that stuff anymore

[@tomquinn9325]

From my town

[@dboy6400]

Not missed but there's a fourth harmony part that was absent, it's lower pitched and has an arpeggio (ramp) to it.

[@kit2130]

This song is standing the test of time. Still love it now as much as when it came out ♥️

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

❤!

[@robertmuccino3201]

Any thumbs down for this is pure disrespect. This is KILLER live music!

[@edwardmcalister8743]

What a classic from my younger days. Always cranked this one up.

[@ohioguy215]

Me too. My neighbors always heard it too.

[@lemurianchick]

@@ohioguy215Soooo original. 😐

[@ohioguy215]

​@lemurianchick Well leperchick ... it's true. We have neighborhood parties and play loud music. Try not to be such a glum wallflower ... no one will ask you to dance.

[@steveshotwell-rg3pi]

Hey Brother,,, I am 70 yrs old and I still crank up my record player and Donnie Iris is still a household word,,,Ahh Leah's is my favorite,,44 years later and us old rockers deserve to keep rockin

[@covidflinstone3710]

Ah! Leah! I like singers who dance and prance and rock around the stage. Donnie Iris! This is one of best songs ever, it really is.

[@base656]

I'll be playing with him tonight, and he can STILL hit those high notes at almost 70!! He's a super nice guy, too!

[@rockingguitarlessons]

talk about a HIT

[@dougl.6461]

Killer backup singing!! So nice to see it just like the record!

[@joebradley1520]

Yes folks, this is LIVE, What an amazing concert this must have been..

[@Edtexas80]

It was!!

[@markhundley8938]

Yes, it was.

One of the greatest tunes,,,,,,HANDS DOWN. 🍺🎻🎸🎺🎷🎵🎶

[@livelife7011]

Donnie...you are the man!! Band and song are on fire 🔥 Goosebumps

[@SchaefDizzle]

Donnie: Making Leah the best name in rock since 1980.

[@jaimiehorton9669]

The minute I discovered this song I knew I had to find a live version too, and this did not disappoint. I had chills in the middle, his voice is absolutely incredible. I wish more people knew about him.

[@billschwenke790]

radio in Minnesota played him so I for one, knew

[@williambergman3840]

Hell yeah👍👍🥰🥰

[@ryansmurda1552]

He's an absolute legend here in Pittsburgh!

[@larryrowe5259]

At age 58, they did this song live in 2002. Check it out on KZbin.

[@BRUTUSPLAC]

This is 1 of the 1st MTV Saturday Night Concerts

[@RocknRolla2023]

I absolutely still rock out to this song and I’m 60 this year. Love this bands enthusiasm!!!!! Great great song!

[@iansnyder274]

Back when being your individual self was encouraged and celebrated. Oh how I miss those days

[@shelleymalecvitale2801]

Good point!

[@njaneardude]

2024 and Donnie Iris still rocking us!!!

[@redfishradical]

A classic for the ages, and those PIERCING ULTRA HIGH SCREAMS....?! TRULY EPIC! Well done to Donnie & The Cruisers!

[@40milesband]

I have become convinced that Donnie Iris was one of the best singers in his day (although he still throws down at nearly 70), and this line-up of the Cruisers was one of the best touring bands to ever grace the stage. I wish we could rewind the clock and give them the success they deserved.

[@sherribrody5456]

I have always loved this song. Reminds me of a guy in college. I can put this one on repeat and play over and over.

[@polopopolo2197]

this song, more than any other, represents the 1980s for me.

[@tigerhawkz4402]

One of the coolest rock video ever recorded....👍

[@claytonwhitacre1335]

This sounds exactly like the studio recording, man they're tight. Great performance.

[@latsnojokelee6434]

Complete with microphone feedback- That’s how you know that’s real singing, not lip-synching!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@t-bo-lesotho]

The backing vocals are absolutely amazing live. Not a missed note by anyone.

[@yousawithere2676]

Love me some Donnie.

[@mrlionel1965]

38 gave this a thumbs down, SERIOUSLY?? What's not to love about this. Just great rock and roll here people. This IS music, not the bullshit radio gives us now. Imagine, guitar players that can ACTUALLY PLAY! THERE IS NO TALENT out there anymore. It's sad. You still sound great today Donnie! Oh and for all you people saying 1 hit wonder, he had 2 big hits! Love Is Like A Rock, Ah Leah. Do your homework before you post here!

[@loriforker2905]

mrlionel1965 you got that right !

[@jeffalan6339]

The 38 who voted this tune down think today's so called music is great. Remember MTV one hit wonders? Today wouldn't be airing anything no hit wonders.

[@jeffalan6339]

When ever radio has listener call ins for greatest guitarists, drummer,vocals and so on., everyone is of the classic rock era, they used the blues for influence other guitarists as role model. Now with all the greats no matter if on list or m as they made their mark in music. So then why do today's so called bands suck? Only four in my opinion make the grade, if I even that many. Our local radio station plays new rock has changed adding Zeppelin, Hendrix Van Halen Floyd and other greats

[@dez1989]

You forgot one! He had 3 hit songs! Ah Leah, Love is Like a Rock and Do you Compute! I can't believe that no one called out Do you Compute? He recorded this album right down the street from where i lived. It is still there. It was an old, quite large house. Possibly it could be called an old Mansion in the town of New Brighton Pennsylvania. He still lives in the next town up from New Brighton. He kept it local!

[@mrlionel1965]

That one I don’t remember. I will have to go look that one up. I have the CDs here. I only remember those two on the radio.

[@midyearguru]

Many years ago, when I started doing studio session work in LA, I had the pleasure of meeting Donnie Iris and two Cruisers members, Mark Avsec and Kevin Valentine. I was a relative newbie and they were seasoned veterans. Very kind and gracious and gave me a lot of support.........and a few pointers about the professional music biz.

[@rockofcleve1963]

I saw them in Akron last night and they still rocked the house with Donnie, Mark, Kevin and the rest of the band . King Cool is gonna be 80 soon and can still hit those high notes. Great show for sure...

[@ohioguy215]

Saw them at the Canton Civic Center years ago. Kevin on percussion blew me away and Donnie with his range. The contribution of the rest of the band made it sound like straight outta the studio.

[@finaljesus]

this song kicks ass still love this song after all these years

[@stevenjschuler1169]

Timeless and as it gets older it gets better

[@steventesta6782]

Donnie Iris still rocking!!!!!!

[@far1val2]

Donnie and the Cruisers thank you for such a good tune I will be listening to it till I die!

[@LilyCullen101]

Ah Leah! Ah 1981! Thanks for tune.

[@Rockit442]

What a Bitchen Voice! And he still has it in his 70's! One of my all time favs...

[@jasminambrosino2059]

I just can' t enough of this song!

[@paulvaughn3574]

I grew up in this era!!! The 80's are the best!!!!!

[@chuckharst8676]

Saw them Milwaukee WI, Summerfest, 1983 i believe. Awsome show.

[@moony9472]

Saw Donnie Iris and his band twice in the early 1980s, and both times they absolutely rocked. He used to wear this long dinner jacket with tails, and always left every bit of energy on stage. Gotta love performers who give it their all each time they perform.

[@bartsimpson6754]

I want to go back

[@stevejohnston8543]

Let's find a time machine Bart

[@loriforker2905]

Bart Simpson me too !

[@jeffalan6339]

Sort of, to know soon musical ability like this will soon fade. Then listen to today's barely musical acts.

[@EllenR654]

Bart Simpson me too!!!

[@LarryEColeman]

One of the tightest band of the 80's--kicking butt and taking names.

[@zoso73]

0:19 really cool how the audiences explodes when they recognize the guitar chords.

[@21whitman]

killer harmonies. rock bands cant sing like this anymore.

[@mmc8449]

What, it's illegal now!?

[@stevejohnston8543]

Killer song man. My band's going to do it.

[@dennisrouse5358]

Buzby J

[@DIABOLICAL90]

Thanks too Donnie years earlier before he went solo, he blessed us with Play That Funky Music White Boy, and The Rapper!! Amen🙏✌️

[@karenb.4850]

One of my favorite songs of the 80ties!!! Heard it on the radio today and had to go back and watch this. What good memories in So Cal in the 80ties!

[@paulhaberman2419]

I spoke with the sound engineer Paul for the recording of "Ah, Leah". He said that the layers of vocals during the interlude after the second refrain was all done by Donnie on multitrack, which was mostly ab libbed and spur of the moment produced. He said there was a feeling of excitement in the room when they played back the final produced song, and everybody knew it was a hit record!

[@HardlyAMemory]

1981 - rollerskating - I ****OWNED**** the rink when this one played! LOL

[@skatermaninred45]

still do lol

[@219garry]

I KNOW THAT FEELING. Awesome!

[@jerryhart4073]

Hell to the YEAH! I remember the speed kicking up when this song came on,,, or Joan Jett..... it wasnt safe in the rink

[@stevenjschuler1169]

Hell yeah!

[@6000cs]

Good one. Never seen a generation so devoid of "popular" music taste and talent.

[@jeffalan6339]

For Donnie to sing like he is here, the vocal range of at the time been mid 60s and that teen age energy. I managed bands not one could touch Donnie's ability ev n the 17 year act they just stood on stage like country singers.

[@timphillips9338]

August 2020 and still listening !!

[@BloozeRockJunky]

The keyboard player is Mark Avsec. He still knows how to rock, but he's been one of the top entertainment lawyers in the music business for several years now!

[@OtherMike5000]

NAILED THE HARMONIES😮

[@jakr1880]

Caught this guy a few years ago when he was in his 70s, and the guy sounded better than most performers in their 40s. Interesting fact, he owned a successful Mortgage business in the Pittsburgh area for decades.

[@jakr1880]

And Mark Avsec was a successful Attorney when not on stage.

[@P51]

WOW this a great performance--The drums sound fantastic!

[@alegria1883]

Still here with you, Donnie, September 2022 and digging you as always. A spectacular song and performance for the ages. Thank you and God bless you. BTW, you have a beautiful body...lol...

[@MikeUIibarri]

They sounded great!

[@KP11520]

What an overlooked brilliant song. Nailing these vocals live is extra KUDOS!

[@jamesrviar526]

So good!! Great audio for '81!!

[@xxzeon]

I am 55, a long time drummer...have been to hundreds of shows....saw all the BIG names in the seventies///1st concert in 1970 Grand Funk in Toronto Canada @ age 12..Zeppelin, Floyd 3x's Stones in the 70's, 80's, 90's, 2000's..BUT seeing Donnie Iris live touring to support this single/LP...at a too hot -sweaty night club (SUMMERS on the BEACH) right on the ft Lauderdale Fl strip is, to this day, one of the 5 BEST live shows I've ever seen! I didn't plan on going.I was given the tix by a neighbor

[@bluetroop1]

the drums are so cool!

[@ohioguy215]

Kevin Valentine.

[@karenhaughlie7918]

boy, this takes me back.......

[@torybrown7730]

Never heard this live before. AMAZING!! WOW!! SO GOOD!!

[@joeburkle]

Take me back to 19 fucking 80

[@davpanable]

Cool factoid donny spent some time in the band wild cherry, the keyboard player is mark avsec he was also in wild cherry

[@shizzle7642]

Lesson: Never judge a book by its cover!! Still own this album circa 1980 on the cover he’s wearing this yellow suit,,,,,song still kicks it 2022!! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@HappyQuailsLC]

I really wish I could tell him how much I love both this song and its stage performance!!!!!

[@marcellacasey1324]

I love this song 🎵🎶🎵🎶♦️

[@DmxBloodline]

this needs 3 million views

[@marksme]

Just a great rock song for all ages!!

[@2shy2fly]

An authentic performance by a band that doesn't seem self-conscious or concerned about preening for the cameras. How refreshing. Damn, I miss the 80s!

[@philking6444]

This and "Love is like a Rock "are 2 of the best songs ever recorded. Great energy and the band loves to play.

[@michellepalloy4925]

Donnie used to play all over the place but not much these days. He's based in Pittsburgh. I used to live in Youngstown, OH and he played there A LOT over the years.

[@teresamichelangeli5620]

He was born to deliver this performance.

[@loulagro2315]

Not to many people talk about the bass player, Albritton McClain. He's a beast of a player and incredibly talented and funky too. Check out him covering "Will it go round in circles" by Billy Preston .......So good....

[@kirkluttner1215]

Listen... I'm 61 now, back then...we drove from Latrobe Pa. to some town in in Ohio, it had a weird name... something "falls"...he kicked it, left nothing in his tank! Ya, most of those dudes on stage where hammered...but that didn't stop them from throwing down!!! Wish all could have been there, dam, it was so fucking sweet...

[@timsydlowski5208]

Newton Falls or Nelson Ledges maybe?

[@timsydlowski5208]

Cuyahoga falls next to Cleveland?

[@marvinhighley3444]

Ludlow falls?

[@jackaction7077]

I dont think he can recall😂😂 I know all those places though

[@rcgerland]

Blossom music center, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohii

[@greggalloway1353]

So happy I grew up in this time period.

[@delshoemaker7616]

Ah..... Coke and eighties rock! I miss the good ol days! From what they tell me , I had a very good time! HA!

[@shitzhead3436]

Del Shoemaker more like HA! HA! HA! HA!

[@219garry]

Ya, I would have liked to stretched my 20s out for another 30 yrs. LOL

[@jerryhart4073]

Like Miami coke right? ehehehehe.

[@EllenR654]

Del Shoemaker me too!!!!

[@dougwestphal7003]

Never enough coke

[@dancrone4200]

Seen Donnie with Pat Benatar, Eddie Money, Lover boy and American Grease at the Super Bowl of Rock and Roll, Dover, Ohio. It was like 80 or 81. Great concert. Good times!

[@jeffjohns8971]

AH LEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Donnie nailed it!

[@HappyQuailsLC]

Now there's performance,!

[@JosephDungee]

WWWOOOOWWW!!! That's one H*ll of a band!! And a great performance by Donnie as this song rose up the charts in Summer of 1980 along with SuperTramp's "Breakfast in America!

[@stevejohnston8543]

Breakfast in America. Man now your'e bringing me back. I remember going to the record store with my cousin. I bought Cheap Trick at Budokan (killer album) and she bought the Supertramp. Realized they were good too

[@mfactor88]

the huge synth sound toward the end of the song always blows my mind. its totally unexpected

[@chrisfranz4570]

oh, man I sure miss the 80's...

[@MichaelSmith-wu8rv]

Great song still 2021

[@sincitydrummer]

Im from las vegas and first time i heard these dudes was when i was visiting my sister in a little town in ohio called warren.