I will always remember the first time I met 80's Rocker Donnie Iris. I was either in school, or recently out and I was doing concert security as a side gig. It was a great way to listen to free music and build my growing criminal justice resume. In this instance, I had the easy gig of watching the load-in/band parking area. It was especially sweet as it was an awesome way to meet artists. Lots of times, it is common to not know much about the artist who's performing the night you are to work, but in this case it was unmistakable once the musician arrived.
You see, there are two things growing up in Pittsburgh you learn. One: be proud of our own, and two: learn to laugh at yourself. In this case, Pittsburghers love Donnie Iris. Also, Pittsburghers are easy to make fun of because of their unique 'Yinzer' dialect. To combine the two a local radio station included Donnie Iris in a morning show skit. The ‘DVE classic skit features a family of Pittsburghers out shopping at their fictitous favorite store Pants ‘N’Nat. The sons mistakenly recognize Donnie Iris and his trademark “curly black hair, Buddy Holly glasses”
But unlike when the older brother said: "That ain't no Donnie Iris. Ain’t no Donnie Iris working no stupid Pant’s N’Nat in the middle of the stupid night. Donnie Iris is a big rock star!" This really was Donnie Iris; it cracked me up to no end, because the description was perfect. "Curly black hair, Buddy Holly glasses", I knew immediately who I was helping that night.
'Ah! Leah!' by Donnie Iris via YouTube
Special Thanks to the wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_iris
Did you know Donnie Iris was part of Wild Cherry including their hit 'Play That Funky Music'?
Enjoy!
You see, there are two things growing up in Pittsburgh you learn. One: be proud of our own, and two: learn to laugh at yourself. In this case, Pittsburghers love Donnie Iris. Also, Pittsburghers are easy to make fun of because of their unique 'Yinzer' dialect. To combine the two a local radio station included Donnie Iris in a morning show skit. The ‘DVE classic skit features a family of Pittsburghers out shopping at their fictitous favorite store Pants ‘N’Nat. The sons mistakenly recognize Donnie Iris and his trademark “curly black hair, Buddy Holly glasses”
But unlike when the older brother said: "That ain't no Donnie Iris. Ain’t no Donnie Iris working no stupid Pant’s N’Nat in the middle of the stupid night. Donnie Iris is a big rock star!" This really was Donnie Iris; it cracked me up to no end, because the description was perfect. "Curly black hair, Buddy Holly glasses", I knew immediately who I was helping that night.
'Ah! Leah!' by Donnie Iris via YouTube
Special Thanks to the wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donnie_iris
Did you know Donnie Iris was part of Wild Cherry including their hit 'Play That Funky Music'?
Enjoy!
This guy is amazing. Totally underrated. American idol should dedicate a show to his songs.
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