Donnie Iris "Ah Leah" Live 2002

Donnie Iris as guest on WQED Pittsburg's "Live from Studio A" debut show in Sept 2002. On stage is Hewlett Anderson, the WQED house band, featuring Pete Hewlett on vocals & guitar, Scott Anderson (Music Director) on piano, keyboards & vocals, Lisa Bleil with backing vocals, Dave Brown (of the Gathering Field) on guitar, Brian Stahurski on bass, Joe Waslousky on drums, with Eric DeFade on additional keyboards.
The performance featured "Love is Like a Rock, "Agnes", and "Ah Leah" in order.
Best Comments over five years:
"Eugene Levy on lead vocals... "
"The missing Hanson brother! "
"A long-haired version of Leonard Hofstadter "
"A thinner, curly-haired Mike Matusow? "
"Joaquin Phoenix, Jeff Spicoli "
"Al Bundy or Rick Moranis with a wig? "
“White tape on those glasses and he’s one of the Hanson Brothers from Snapshot”
"Joey Tribbiani on lead guitar! "
Clark Kent on guitar "
A young Joe Rogan? "
Didn't know David Hasselhoff played guitar "
“Is that Walter Goggins aka Boyd Crowder on guitar? lol”
"Hannah Storm on backing vocals "
"Looks a lot like Alison Krause, Debbie Boone "
"Is that Kathy Mattea singing backup? "
"Martina McBride, Joan Lunden in her younger days for sure! "
"Matt Foley on keyboard before he started living in a van down by the river "
"When did Louie Anderson join the group? "
"Jack Black on keyboard "
"Dancing guy in Peanuts Christmas on additional keyboards "
"The guy in the suit reminds me of that dancing kid from "A Charlie Brown Christmas", lol "
Best overall:
‘Ah Leah by the Branch Davidians, starring David Koresh on vocals.’
“I see when the Pastor wasnt looking the church band learned a killer song!”
‘Wow , as much as that was some kind of weirdo christian band , job well done’
“When you spike the drinks of a bunch of geeks at lunch,,,,, and they fight back in music class.”
“I love that the majority of the band looks like they're having to sell some used cars after this gig. “
“it's like a bowling alley in my hometown they just don't do it like that anymore”
“Nice McCartney/Farley bit at the end there.”
“I would swear this is an SNL skit”
“This video is old enough to legally drink in a bar.”

[@normanreece2275]

Donny was 58 when he did this . What a killer singer.

[@joepersad219]

I dare say better than Geddy Lee of RUSH....and I love RUSH

[@delshoemaker7616]

Hey! We fifty eight year old men aren't dead yet!

[@blakegregory969]

AWESOME

[@MIKE-ej6ud]

@@delshoemaker7616 ahhh...to be 58 again. lol ,,🎸

[@shanewilson199]

@@joepersad219 I’m pretty sure rush tuned the guitars down to accommodate Teddy’s drop in range. Donnie can sing... but he’s got no Neil or alex.

[@torn66]

Biggest Banger ever delivered by a guy that looks like he just mowed the lawn , grilled some perfect burgers and still had time to tell you he got all the grass stains off his New Balances. American dream right here.

[@gill.5116]

😂😂😂😂 right? You win

[@rosenkranstrucking]

You’re a legend for this.

[@cwelch0625]

👏👏👏👏👏😂❤

[@BarbaraWilliams-rp2pn]

OMG that's so true!

[@stevetowler4429]

Hilarious, dude!

[@9ZERO6]

Who's still crankin' this song up on some old school speakers in 2024?

[@amyboone125]

I am!

[@thunder_balls]

🙋🏽‍♂️

[@InterestedTuber]

I still have the 45 and my Realistic STA2100DD receiver and Mach One Speakers. Still shaken the walls.

[@zzbruno]

I am and I was at the live recording in 2002. I'd just arrived at graduate school at Pitt and got 2 free tickets to attend, just to fill out the studio audience. I feel sorry for all the people that got tickets and didn't show up.

[@InterestedTuber]

@@zzbruno I would have loved to have that ticket.

[@SilverJ56]

The votes are in: BEST VERSION EVER--- live, the record, whatever... This video has been on YT for 4 years.... I think everyone who's viewed it would agree.👍😁

[@christianpoint0888]

Totally agree ! This is the go to version ! I have a crush on the backup singer ! Adorable ! Is this a church group ? What is this ? Love it

[@JopiniStJopy]

Donnie fricking nails it, and the chick's vocals are outasight.

[@Eadweard76]

Then energy from the band and Donnie is great. It totally fills this song out. Sure there is some nit picks I can name sound wise and musically but I wont because this really is a great, great version of the song

[@angelwalker979]

I don't agree. The back up singers sound like shit. Donnie has done this much better. Best version? Toledo Speedway Jam 1982.

[@ernestboetz7320]

Absodamnlutely!!!!!!!!!

[@scottsimmons7338]

20+ years after the original was recorded and he STILL kills on the vocals. Donnie does Pittsburgh proud.

[@epistte]

Donnie Iris used to shill for Armstrong cable services. I loved this song but Armstrong is a massive ripoff, but they have no competition where I live in Ohio.

[@tednugentlives]

That is epic. The backing band did their freaking homework. Holy smokes.

[@domgoings6722]

Man those notes at the end make my cahoneys hurt

[@candydale8380]

​@@tednugentlivesRight!?!? This is just a perfect song & Donnie's voice & aura, in general, are heavenly🙏🤲

[@larrymixer144]

His performance just about makes you want to move the R&R Hall if Fame to Pittsburgh.

[@studlygrish]

He nailed every scream on this song like he had just put the record out.

[@albertmojicajr.3513]

Yep. Just as RIP Kevin Dubrow (Quiet Riot) did too. "Metal Health/Party All Nught" metaltomotown

[@brickhouse7401]

@@albertmojicajr.3513 thanks for the reminder, I forgot about that song!

[@brickhouse7401]

@studlygrish yeah I was waiting for that falsetto, and crossing my fingers! He did a fantastic job even when going up the octave in that last chorus!! Sang it like he was still a young guy. Love this.

[@truckrboat]

This was 20 plus years ago and he still sings it like that today, in a much cooler version then the original! At 75 years old!!

[@rpskaza]

Love this version!

[@MIKE-ej6ud]

the opening guitar power chords was one of THE most significant, simple and honest intros in rock history. you could hear it begin on the radio and unconsciously, I would reach for the volume button and crank it as high as it would go!

[@jerrysanders3553]

Yes sir! Loud is required!

[@jerrysanders3553]

Also, Billy Squire, "In the Dark" required full volume!

[@dandydapple687]

I agreed with both Mike & Jerry! ... ❤❤❤❤❤

[@brainoneill7639]

Simply irresistible. Fantastic vocals.

[@denisearmbruster7478]

AMEN!!!

[@jeffross389]

Yep Donnie still has the pipes, and the backup singer is awesome! Actually the whole band did a great a job!

[@handledeehandledum]

I was going to mention Lisa Bleil's chops on this, as well the whole band - but I'll just "second your emotion".

[@davemcdonald8790]

@@handledeehandledum thanks! I was wondering who she was

[@harryschaefer8563]

I keep coming back to this just for glimpse of my crush, Lisa Bleil, what a beauty!

[@DallasJW1]

Dam... your right.

[@bangzoom8180]

Ah Lisa!!!

[@Brutis-1983]

Artist today could not pull this off. Donny Iris was so underrated. True rocker.

[@michaelmarkosky7264]

Absolutely song kicks so much ass!!!!!

[@ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113]

What the hell is Donnie Iris. Chopped Leahver?

[@jodylancaster8706]

He was awesome. Loved him. Still do.

[@GStraitKISS1]

The Everyman rocker!

[@timothywilson1609]

Just like the song , "Smokin' in the boys room". Both are a really good hit but are so underrated!

[@jawsxx8683]

Female singer- awesome and gorgeous.

[@shanewilson199]

Lisa bliel

[@my_rats_esaped]

Only a hand full of people can sing like that live and Donnie is one of them. What powerful vocals!!!

[@bangzoom8180]

Indeed!

[@randolphscott6814]

i've probably watched this video fifty times. Donnie is just incredible. Nobody else can do that at the end of the song.

[@bangzoom8180]

Spot on

[@TRyan-op2jo]

Power chords you can taste!

[@ALaVeyy]

This is the BOP lol

[@jabezscratch]

Goddamned right! You can break your teeth on those power chords!

[@hardrockinmofo9742]

Man. I do LOVE me some crunchy guitar!

[@JohnSmithNE3478]

The blood lol

[@salvadoralvarez3486]

@@ALaVeyy y

[@vernonhayden7069]

What an incredible talent, very under rated musician and one heck of a singer. Todays music, can't come close to this era of music.

[@nickyclifeishell3661]

Vernon Hayden tv killed the radio star.

[@jeffalan6339]

The talent is watered down today, back then had to have record deal, no longer can buy downloads or sell on line.

[@ALaVeyy]

Facts

[@mike24819]

Not understand at all .. he had a hit with Wild Cherry 'play that funky thing white boy" then he scored another hit with his band called The Jaggerz with a tune called the rapper , then hit the charts with Ah Leah.

[@mickhoover8050]

Hi, Vernon Hayden~I totally agree with you. The classic rock bands I(we?) grew up with are still so much better than music now. Some of them are still touring & performing.🎶 I think the band members for the most part were\are extremely talented. Just my opinion😉

[@sherrythelou9924]

I don't always listen to Donnie Iris, but when I do... so do my neighbor's😂❤

[@angelinekohler3935]

Haha

[@bangzoom8180]

LOL...brilliant!

[@Banglaroadbarhopping]

Epic. What a brilliant, underplayed and underappreciated song. I was stunned the first time I heard it on the radio, and could never understand how it didn't go further on the charts. His performance here, 22 years after the songs release is phenomenal.

[@theshapeexists]

I hope im that cool when im pushing 60. So badass he was still crushing those high notes. Edit: he's 79 and still crushing those high notes. Unbelievable

[@redfishradical]

Daaaaaamn!! The house band KILLED IT, from the staggered backing vocals to the lead guitar. Great job, cheers to the entire lineup!

[@ag1now]

Some aging singers lose their voice. Donnie Iris did not. Rock on Donnie!!

[@Egilhelmson]

Has not. He still plays gigs around the Pittsburgh Area, including his 75th birthday celebration concert.

[@kevincaldwell4707]

Now this is the best version of Ah Leah I've ever seen! And not just because of the hot backup singer :)

[@SonicVR12]

This guitar player is nailing it! The clarity of the little subtleties in the riff are dynamite!

[@jonhallstein33]

Dave Brown has always been a phenomenal guitar player. I've seen him play many times over the years; and his technique and sound are par excellence, regardless of the venue or band. He's a great reminder that some musicians are simply great, whether they're known on a large scale level, or not.

[@mi.dogman4438]

Wearing like a bib too....

[@jameswatts632]

No one screams better than Donnie, at any age, Period!!

[@grob4382]

First time I've seen this version, and I must say the band is killing it. Donnie has still got it, and Lisa singing backup is outstanding

[@handledeehandledum]

Agreed... :)

[@tommyrose553]

Yeah that sounds killer I've never heard the live version that guitar is so nasty and raw and the snare is cracking!!!!!!!!!!!!💪💪👍👍🤘

[@naomiminogue8451]

Anyone know who the led guitarist is?

[@tinasuarez117]

@@naomiminogue8451 Dave Brown on lead guitar.

[@naomiminogue8451]

@@tinasuarez117 thank you. Do have any other information on him?

[@danskinner467]

You rock, Donnie.. Still got it brother..The 80's were straight up bad ass times..

[@The_Real_Indiana_Joe]

I miss them so much. Nearly everyone I loved was still alive.

[@joemartinez422]

The guitarist absolutely rips!

[@traceywhitaker1613]

Yeah he is right on and really I think it's better then the original

[@m3rrys0ngstr3ss]

The whole band is great!

[@makaras]

@MW lol I was wondering why he seemed familiar

[@kathymartin7724]

Happy 81st birthday Donnie iris. On February 28th. I googled him.

[@Trans909]

NAILED that lead solo! AWESOME tone and sustain! Migawd, that SCREAM of Donnie's! (Notice how far away he had to keep his mic? I'll bet it PEGGED the needles on the mixer board.) They MUST have rehearsed this at least once. They sound like they've been playing with him for ages. Damn, that is one HOT band. I would have traded a kidney to be in the studio to hear this with all of the bass end and roar of those guitars. There are classic rock tunes and then there are those songs that absolutely define what it's all about. I'll take this over any of the junk that they call "music" today ''cuz this is the Real Thing, folks, the pure, the best, live and in ya face.

[@richelliott9320]

Yes it's awesome

[@MM1717mm]

i think i love u 😁🌹

[@Robinson67]

Musicians today cannot make this authentic sound

[@Trans909]

@@Robinson67 SOME of us still can! I play bass and guitar and I still know how to rock--but I have to admit, Donnie is among the best singers EVER. He's WAY out of my league. Nobody had that kind of range. Us old farts still know how to do it--but it's true; the kids think they know it all--and they don't know nothin' about real, LIVE music. Computers and pre-recorded backing tracks? Fooey! This is the REAL DEAL.

[@dcfire2222]

Great! My best friend loved this song! He died in the line of duty! I miss him!

[@rogercarrico4975]

So very sorry for your loss. God bless

[@infjintegrityvsnarcissism7295]

I am so sorry brother, it's always hard to lose one of our own. I lost my mentor in 2007, take the help your dept offers.

[@dcfire2222]

@@rogercarrico4975 Thank you.

[@sonictheflexhog6075]

God bless.

[@zandarx]

a good death then! well done and appreciated! we are all following... stay strong and massive hugs brother, for your loss! Although it would be awesome to go to a well founded death with this playing in my ears!

[@shegotyagood]

Love it when real singers don't need tracks or auto tune. Miss this great music.

[@LS-um3zq]

This song still hits me right.

[@tonybletas930]

Man, can Donnie belt out one hell of a song! What a legend rocker! Go Donnie!

[@candydale8380]

This song kicks ass, in a big way🎶🎸🎸🎙🙏🙏 So grateful it was written and shared!!!!!!! God bless Donnie Iris, whatta voice!!!!

[@Duh6666666]

Was like 12 or so when this came out, what a song! He has incredible pipes, look how far he is from the mic.

[@wombleofwimbledon5442]

Yeah, he actually knows how to pull back BECAUSE HE HAS TO.

[@dcfire2222]

Who is 65 and loving this!

[@funknbr49]

70

[@Dave-lq2le]

69

[@jeromestephens8385]

ME!!!

[@dcfire2222]

Lisa is killing it! Love you!

[@bikenband]

Ah Lisa

[@christianpoint0888]

Is that the lady doing backups ? I watch this video just to stare at her ! She’s beautiful ! I thiught this was a house band ? This is Donnie’s touring / studio band ?

[@kprice5597]

Is it just me?Is his backup singer smokin HOT or what. 😍

[@dcfire2222]

Lisa is hot!

[@melvinyosten3776]

Yup

[@ccryder3845]

Saw him last night at the Palace in Greensburg, Sold out show, first time I had seen him live....What a great performance! The band had lots of fun as the audience did to! Loved the show!

[@colinmontgomery5492]

PA's own!

[@sllankford7785]

So he is still performing? Would love to see him

[@danddstorytime232]

@@sllankford7785 Still performing. Will be in Pittsburgh with Styx and REO.

[@1Rockdad]

Joey Tribbiani on the rhythm guitar folks!

[@jonkurtmatheson8795]

That's exactly what I said. Lol

[@cathyskywalker77]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@benjiefields3499]

That is one hot chic

[@six-pack1332]

Lisa Bliel, yes she is.

[@reddyfreddy]

rebas back up singer?

[@jonkurtmatheson8795]

Aye

[@BlueRidgeKat1]

Lisa Bleil looks as good as she sounds and sounds as good as she looks!!!!!!

[@tubuler69]

Looks a lot like Alison Krause

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

@@tubuler69 Reminds me of Martina McBride too.

[@rpskaza]

Looks like Joan Lunden in her younger days for sure! ❤️

[@davebrittain9216]

She is totally hot!

[@Sherman62]

What a voice!!!

[@kathyweis8975]

My daughter was named Leah because l loved this song she is almost 30 ❤️✌️

[@hansgrueber8169]

Donnie Iris...The only true rockstar who can wear NewBalance and still kick mortal ASS.

[@cynthiadunn9121]

This is one of my All Time Favs!!!❤

[@rbilleaud]

Never heard of Lisa Bleil, but she sounds great, very sexy looking too.

[@richelliott9320]

Yes not plastic looking

[@aprildamski7372]

THIS GUY STILL HAS A KICK ASS VOICE!

[@DD-ix3bm]

It's been another 20 years since this was recorded.....so maybe not so much lol

[@tracysnow349]

Dude you just killed that! so hard. I couldn't tell the difference between this and the original version I heard. Bravo!!!

[@williamgolden839]

He sounds ad good as ever

[@LouieNeira]

I think this version was better due to its “live” studio feeling.

[@soulscanner66]

@@LouieNeira Agreed, but it's missing the low voice harmony on the chorus ...

[@leggomyeigonosensei]

That was probably the last great version of that song he ever did.

[@andrewcichetti6612]

Thank you for reposting this video. It is better than the studio version. Awesome!

[@henryslice9584]

Time machine is set for "1980" who's with me!

[@garla5851]

🙋‍♂️

[@BlueRidgeKat1]

Leah? No.... pretty sure hes singing about Lisa Bleil. Ah Lisa.

[@riceburner4747]

DAMN! HE'S SO GOOD LIVE!!! I STILL love this song!!

[@DGWpg]

Holy cow, Donnie still hit those highs at the end, just great

[@michaelgover1519]

Wow. Just killer. Best Leah ever

[@alwagner9722]

So many great rock songs out there but, this has to rank up there with the best of them. This performance was amazing. Talk about maximizing all instruments in a song. And the way they all were bumpin and groovin to the beat. JAMMIN !

[@shawneckert1230]

One of the greatest rock anthems ever!

[@zandarx]

i cant stop watching this.

[@robertbyington7715]

Does any body know how difficult it is to adjust your vocal range in such a short throw and still stay on pitch. Just amazing

[@1970borntorun]

I remember hearing this on 98.5 FM KOME in San Jose when was 11, and it STILL holds up !!! 🎸😁 Back in the good old days of GAMMA, Pat Travers, Y&T, UFO and Ozzy with Randy Rhoads !!! 🎼💖

[@christiane.g.4142]

"I wonder if anyone remembers this song?" Uh...yeah! There are some who remember it well

[@debbigoodson3169]

My most favorite song by donnie iris!! One of the top ten of the 70-80's!!!! 🖤🖤🖤🎵🤘

[@dr.zippymcscoots8725]

Donnie is 76 now. My time flies.

[@zoso73]

Paul McCartney's age!

[@pedrodepacas8798]

This dude can sing!

[@leainokuchi9650]

WOW outstanding performance (decades later)...bravo!!

[@clicks59]

Great tune! Haunting backup vocals............Thanks for sharing!

[@peterrabbit4034]

I saw his band open for Loverboy in the early 80s. The night of the show was his birthday, and the band gave him a blowup doll onstage. Wonderful show!

[@dcfire2222]

Lisa! Killed it!

[@cameronguadiz3230]

Is that her name ?

[@dcfire2222]

Yes. @@cameronguadiz3230

[@gisall8205]

All time classic. 300 years from now, this song will still have power.

[@shawnwintle937]

Donnie Iris looks like a Hanson brother from Slapshot.

[@804Jester]

Lmao..great movie.." bleed all over 'em, let 'em know you've been there"

[@travisfarmer6693]

Foil up Donnie!!

[@hardrockinmofo9742]

Lol!

[@emeraldaisle2927]

Yes!

[@johntrezak442]

He looks like Eugene Levy.

[@cuzzindave]

I see when the Pastor wasnt looking the church band learned a killer song! Donnie....wow.....that was simply.....amazing!

[@DavidLee-md2ul]

They still play the song on a regular basis out of Baltimore Maryland on I don't know who chooses the music over there but they play a lot of retro hits like this. When I hear those power cords I turn up the volume.... One of the greatest rock songs ever produced

[@fido139]

GREAT TUNE! That woman is HOT!

[@myronvanbolin6352]

Daniel J that is what I said too!!

[@traceywhitaker1613]

Yea they killed it! Awesome!!

[@johnnymann1284]

Real music

[@markbello311]

Never get tired of watching this video and this guy sing... legend

[@paulcormican3733]

Never heard of Donnie or this song until a week ago. Over here in the wee 6(N.Ireland) there were no rock radio stations in the 80s. This song rocks and the dudes voice is awesome.

[@chrisperrin100]

At 2:30 check out the keyboardist keeping the beat with his hands. Awesome song!

[@zoso73]

I am checking out that foxy AF redhead.

[@ThatBobGuy850]

Chris, you can tell when a band *really* likes a song- as this one obviously did with "Ah Leah." How much fun must they have had performing it at a level that makes us wonder, "Is that the band that actually recorded it? Wait- what? You mean this is a damn STUDIO band for some public TV station??" Amazing, simply amazing.

[@chrisperrin100]

I agree!@@ThatBobGuy850

[@a_missippian]

un f**king real

[@bryanhill3710]

I think I'm in love with that back-up singer! 😍

[@peterarenella8265]

The best version of this song thanks to those killer players from that tv station

[@kevinpatrick8788]

Love this version of Ah Leah . such a crunchy guitar tone and Donnies fantastic .

[@olganan3023]

Aww 🥰 Donnie Iris!!! ❤️ I remember this song playing at the wee hours of the morning when I was a naughty kid staying up late. It was SOOo awesome I was mesmerized!!! It STILL ROCKS!!!! Nerdy was never SO cool!!! Absolutely LOVE the original video!!!! Yaaaayyyyy!!!!! ❤️💗❤️💗❤️

[@Smileatlife37]

Wow ! The red head

[@dcfire2222]

Lisa is hot!

[@six-pack1332]

@@dcfire2222 She looks like a Joan London doppelganger.

[@vtoolselb]

PURE rock and roll!

[@Goojy-Gooj]

My next rescue dog will be named as such. She'll live a good life alongside Lola, Eileen, & Janie who may or may not have a gun. Cheers!

[@joehunter6819]

Absolutely love this song by Donnie Iris, this live version sounds very close to the original, his backup vocal, (the beautiful lady) sounds marvelous, just like the original version, and this band surely is the original one, thanks for renewing this song!

[@thomasshannon9662]

This is a definite rock song essential that everyone should have on their playlist.

[@dianne6155]

yup for years ✔️

[@brainoneill7639]

I've never heard this before. Now on auto play. Absolutely killer tune.

[@scottlahti1252]

More like "Ah! Lisa!" - talk about "looking better than a body has a right to"! [UPDATE: Oh, and Donnie is great, too ... ]

[@antonydelmonte6306]

And his voice has lost nothing over time. Wow

[@scottjackson3940]

can't take credit for this but, I don't always listen to Donny Iris but when I do my neighbors do to!!

[@MultiEviscerator]

He still has his range 20+ years later. Impressive!

[@MindTravelsChannel]

On this great live version, somehow the crunchy guitar riff on the original is even better, the drums are beefier and more authoritative, and the vocals (lead and backing) are even more compelling and penetrating: well done to the whole band on an awesome song!

[@leahcassidy3076]

Yay my name's Leah! Nice to know there's an awesome song about me 😊❤🌞

[@btw500]

You bet there is, Baby.

[@dcfire2222]

Yes, Lisa Bleil.

[@mooseandsquirrel9887]

Pure natural rock here……my neighbors are loving this one, too…😂

[@bangzoom8180]

Timeless...All Killer No Filler...this "live" version is absolutely great.= and still addictive after all these years. Makes the hair on the neck and arms stand up! .Thanks so much for posting this gem.

[@ibdaffy]

If you could only write one song and perform it, this is one of them. This song speaks volumes.

[@delshoemaker7616]

Hey man, I hope you know how important you've been in my life! Just saying Thanks!

[@peterarmentano5294]

He looks like the further thing from a rock and roll star. Can't judge a book by looking at the cover.

[@lancehurley9743]

Hey! It’s Donnie Iris!!