Pittsburgh Music Legend Donnie Iris Ailing

PITTSBURGH, PA — Western Pennsylvania music legend Donnie Iris has been battling cancer for several months and will not be able to perform at an upcoming show this month in Youngstown. The announcement was made Monday on the Donnie Iris and the Cruisers Facebook page.

Iris has "got the best care and everyone is optimistic for his full return to health," the post stated.

"He recently had surgery and his prognosis is good. But Donnie needs more time to heal, and as a result he will not be able to perform in Youngstown at The Foundation Amphitheater on June 21 with REO Speedwagon."

Iris is looking forward to resuming a regular schedule on July 24 at Blossom Music Center with Foreigner and Loverboy, according to the post.

In March, Iris celebrated his 80th birthdaywith a performance at the UPMC Events Center on the Robert Morris University campus in Moon.

Pittsburgh-area rock radio fans have been listening to his songs for decades. He is best known for hits such as "Ah! Leah!" "Love Is Like a Rock," "The Way Love Ought To Be," and "My Girl," which approached the top 20 on Billboard's singles chart.