Recovering from Cancer, Donnie Iris Bows Out of Youngstown Concert

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Donnie Iris recently underwent surgery for cancer and will not be able to perform at the June 21 concert with REO Speedwagon at The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, according to a press release from promoter Live Nation.

The cancer was discovered shortly after Iris’ sold-out 80th birthday concert in March in Pittsburgh.

He is very optimistic for his full return to health but needs more time to heal, according to the press release.

Iris plans to resume his performance schedule on July 24 at Blossom Music Center, where he will share the bill with Foreigner and Loverboy.

The REO Speedwagon concert is still scheduled for June 21 at The Amp in Youngstown, and tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.

Replacing Donnie Iris and The Cruisers will be Levon, a Nashville-based act composed of Michael David Hall, Jake Singleton and Ryan Holladay.

The band is known for its soulful vocals, as demonstrated on its songs “Give Up Your Heart to Me,” “Wonder” and its latest single, “Till the Wheels Fall Off.”

The trio’s musical roots are suggested by their name, an homage to Levon Helm of The Band, as well as Elton John and his signature 1971 hit “Levon.”

Pictured at top: Donnie Iris and The Cruisers.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.