Donnie Iris to celebrate 80th birthday with UPMC Events Center bash

First it was Paul McCartney, who turned 80 last June. Now it’s “King Cool” Donnie Iris’ turn to celebrate eight decades on the planet.

Iris announced plans Tuesday for an 80^th birthday bash on March 11, 2023, at the UPMC Events Center at Robert Morris University in Moon with special guests the Vindys. More guests will be announced at a later date.

Iris’ actual birthday is Feb. 28, but a scheduling conflict pushed back the date of the celebration.

Iris, a Beaver County native, has had many career highlights, including writing and singing the No. 1 song “The Rapper” as a member of the Jaggerz in 1970. The group was awarded a gold record and made an appearance on “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand” that year.

Iris said back in his heyday, he never expected to be playing rock ‘n’ roll into his 80s. Even after he released “Ah Leah,” which reached No. 29 on Billboard’s Singles Chart in 1980, he wasn’t looking too far into the future.

“Absolutely not. Back in 1980, we were just trying to make some records and do well,” Iris said.

In addition to McCartney and Iris, there are plenty of rock stars, including Elton John and Ringo Starr, extending their careers into their 70s and 80s — and Iris said he takes inspiration from that.

“Mick Jagger is like six months younger than me. But yeah, those guys are still doing it and I’m going to keep doing it too, man,” he said.

Iris said he’s not planning on doing any recording, but he and his band have stockpiled some new material.

“When we get the urge, we might just go in and start finishing them, but we’re not doing much with recording right now because there is so much going on with live music,” Iris said. “Especially after the pandemic, all we want to do is get out there and play again. I mean, we were down for two years. It was terrible. We’re so glad to get out there again and play.”

Earlier this month, Iris and his band the Cruisers opened for REO Speedwagon, Styx and Loverboy at The Pavilion at Star Lake.

He also sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Steelers’ home opener against New England last Sunday.

Tickets for Donnie Iris’ 80^th birthday bash, featuring Donnie Iris and the Cruisers with special guests the Vindys, go on sale Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. at ticketmaster.com.