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.
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.
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.
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.👍😁
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
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.
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!
There's a video on UA-cam where Donnie did this song in late 2024, at 81 and just got over bladder cancer, and he STILL hit those high notes! Mad respect to Mr. Iris!
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.
@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.
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
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.
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😉
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.
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!
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.
@@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.
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 ?
So all you youngsters understand, this was the House Band at the PBS TV station in Pittsburgh Pa accompanying Donnie Iris on a live version of Ah Leah. “Mr Rogers Neighborhood” originated from this same studio! Long live Public Access!
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!
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!
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!
Yes Ann ,I remember the Jaggerz and the Rapper...a Big Hit for them.I sent this video of Donnie Iris after he left the Jaggerz and had his own Mega Hit Ah Leah.This show was performed in Pittsburgh 2002, He still performs the Pittsburgh area at 80! ....buy they what kindsa BUGS were yous talkin bout sister??
Happy 81st birthday Donnie iris. On February 28th. I googled him.
Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🎂🎈🎶
2025 Who's Still Loving This Song?
Since 81, or whenever this song came out fasho!
Killer song
@davidhatcher1758 Killer is Right! 🎸🔥
Donny was 58 when he did this . What a killer singer.
I dare say better than Geddy Lee of RUSH....and I love RUSH
Hey! We fifty eight year old men aren't dead yet!
AWESOME
@@delshoemaker7616 ahhh...to be 58 again. lol ,,🎸
@@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.
Who's still crankin' this song up on some old school speakers in 2024?
I am!
🙋🏽♂️
I still have the 45 and my Realistic STA2100DD receiver and Mach One Speakers. Still shaken the walls.
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.
@@zzbruno I would have loved to have that ticket.
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.
😂😂😂😂 right? You win
You’re a legend for this.
👏👏👏👏👏😂❤
OMG that's so true!
Hilarious, dude!
I keep coming back to this just for glimpse of my crush, Lisa Bleil, what a beauty!
Dam... your right.
Ah Lisa!!!
Joan Lundon
I watched it 3-4 times in a row just to see her. ❤❤❤❤❤
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.
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.👍😁
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
Donnie fricking nails it, and the chick's vocals are outasight.
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
I don't agree. The back up singers sound like shit. Donnie has done this much better. Best version? Toledo Speedway Jam 1982.
Absodamnlutely!!!!!!!!!
20+ years after the original was recorded and he STILL kills on the vocals. Donnie does Pittsburgh proud.
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.
That is epic. The backing band did their freaking homework. Holy smokes.
Man those notes at the end make my cahoneys hurt
@@tednugentlivesRight!?!? This is just a perfect song & Donnie's voice & aura, in general, are heavenly🙏🤲
His performance just about makes you want to move the R&R Hall if Fame to Pittsburgh.
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!
Yes sir! Loud is required!
Also, Billy Squire, "In the Dark" required full volume!
I agreed with both Mike & Jerry! ... ❤❤❤❤❤
Simply irresistible. Fantastic vocals.
AMEN!!!
This is one of my All Time Favs!!!❤
No one screams better than Donnie, at any age, Period!!
Artist today could not pull this off. Donny Iris was so underrated. True rocker.
Absolutely song kicks so much ass!!!!!
What the hell is Donnie Iris. Chopped Leahver?
He was awesome. Loved him. Still do.
The Everyman rocker!
Just like the song , "Smokin' in the boys room". Both are a really good hit but are so underrated!
Who is 65 and loving this!
70
69
ME!!!
63... And yeah. I'm digging it
Donnie Iris...The only true rockstar who can wear NewBalance and still kick mortal ASS.
Only a hand full of people can sing like that live and Donnie is one of them. What powerful vocals!!!
Indeed!
There's a video on UA-cam where Donnie did this song in late 2024, at 81 and just got over bladder cancer, and he STILL hit those high notes! Mad respect to Mr. Iris!
Female singer- awesome and gorgeous.
Lisa bliel
You know you've got power when the mic is two feet from your face
Damn bro, he's belting it to the heaven's.
This guitar player is nailing it! The clarity of the little subtleties in the riff are dynamite!
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.
Wearing like a bib too....
Yep Donnie still has the pipes, and the backup singer is awesome! Actually the whole band did a great a job!
I was going to mention Lisa Bleil's chops on this, as well the whole band - but I'll just "second your emotion".
@@handledeehandledum thanks! I was wondering who she was
Lisa Bleil looks as good as she sounds and sounds as good as she looks!!!!!!
Looks a lot like Alison Krause
@@tubuler69 Reminds me of Martina McBride too.
Looks like Joan Lunden in her younger days for sure! ❤️
She is totally hot!
What a voice!!!
He nailed every scream on this song like he had just put the record out.
Yep. Just as RIP Kevin Dubrow (Quiet Riot) did too. "Metal Health/Party All Nught" metaltomotown
@@albertmojicajr.3513 thanks for the reminder, I forgot about that song!
@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.
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!!
Love this version!
This song still hits me right.
I don't always listen to Donnie Iris, but when I do... so do my neighbor's😂❤
Haha
LOL...brilliant!
Right on
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
i've probably watched this video fifty times. Donnie is just incredible. Nobody else can do that at the end of the song.
Spot on
Time machine is set for "1980" who's with me!
🙋♂️
Im with you mAn d
Some aging singers lose their voice. Donnie Iris did not. Rock on Donnie!!
Has not. He still plays gigs around the Pittsburgh Area, including his 75th birthday celebration concert.
Yes, Lisa Bleil.
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.
Vernon Hayden tv killed the radio star.
The talent is watered down today, back then had to have record deal, no longer can buy downloads or sell on line.
Facts
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.
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😉
Power chords you can taste!
This is the BOP lol
Goddamned right! You can break your teeth on those power chords!
Man. I do LOVE me some crunchy guitar!
The blood lol
@@ALaVeyy y
Holy cow, Donnie still hit those highs at the end, just great
Love it when real singers don't need tracks or auto tune. Miss this great music.
2024 still here for it ♥️
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.
It's my personal favorite version.
Now this is the best version of Ah Leah I've ever seen! And not just because of the hot backup singer :)
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
Agreed... :)
Yeah that sounds killer I've never heard the live version that guitar is so nasty and raw and the snare is cracking!!!!!!!!!!!!💪💪👍👍🤘
Anyone know who the led guitarist is?
@@naomiminogue8451
Dave Brown on lead guitar.
@@tinasuarez117 thank you. Do have any other information on him?
This is a definite rock song essential that everyone should have on their playlist.
yup for years ✔️
Lisa Bliel had it going on there. Such a beautiful human being.
Great! My best friend loved this song! He died in the line of duty! I miss him!
So very sorry for your loss. God bless
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.
@@rogercarrico4975 Thank you.
God bless.
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!
I dont know if this is a bad recording or if that is the meanest, nastiest, ....coolest tone ever out of that ax.
Tone, and nothing but…
Donnie is 76 now. My time flies.
Paul McCartney's age!
After the Turn of the Millennium , and The Song is still Going STRONG !!!
The guitarist absolutely rips!
Yeah he is right on and really I think it's better then the original
The whole band is great!
@MW lol I was wondering why he seemed familiar
THIS GUY STILL HAS A KICK ASS VOICE!
It's been another 20 years since this was recorded.....so maybe not so much lol
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.
Yes it's awesome
i think i love u 😁🌹
Musicians today cannot make this authentic sound
@@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.
Lisa is killing it! Love you!
Ah Lisa
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 ?
Man am I glad I grew up when I did.
This song kicks ass, in a big way🎶🎸🎸🎙🙏🙏 So grateful it was written and shared!!!!!!! God bless Donnie Iris, whatta voice!!!!
Daaaaaamn!! The house band KILLED IT, from the staggered backing vocals to the lead guitar. Great job, cheers to the entire lineup!
Killer guitar tone. Unbelievable.
You rock, Donnie.. Still got it brother..The 80's were straight up bad ass times..
I miss them so much. Nearly everyone I loved was still alive.
Love this version of Ah Leah . such a crunchy guitar tone and Donnies fantastic .
The best. Girl rocks
Was like 12 or so when this came out, what a song! He has incredible pipes, look how far he is from the mic.
Yeah, he actually knows how to pull back BECAUSE HE HAS TO.
That opening riff that tears your face off
That redhead...she's nailin' it. Cute too.
My daughter was named Leah because l loved this song she is almost 30 ❤️✌️
Song is heavy
Great!
"I wonder if anyone remembers this song?"
Uh...yeah! There are some who remember it well
Man, can Donnie belt out one hell of a song! What a legend rocker! Go Donnie!
What bad ass sound
So all you youngsters understand, this was the House Band at the PBS TV station in Pittsburgh Pa accompanying Donnie Iris on a live version of Ah Leah. “Mr Rogers Neighborhood” originated from this same studio! Long live Public Access!
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!
PA's own!
So he is still performing? Would love to see him
@@sllankford7785 Still performing. Will be in Pittsburgh with Styx and REO.
Top ten greatest songs in my opinion. If this doesn’t get your foot thumping, nothing will
Lisa! Killed it!
Is that her name ?
Yes. @@cameronguadiz3230
Donny did a good job on the return. He even sound better that he was younger.
Weekend morn today's in Milw, ❤ Isfree
FELL IN LOVE WITH A LEAH …. SO GOOSEBUMPS !!!!
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!
All time classic. 300 years from now, this song will still have power.
i cant stop watching this.
Dude you just killed that! so hard. I couldn't tell the difference between this and the original version I heard. Bravo!!!
He sounds ad good as ever
I think this version was better due to its “live” studio feeling.
@@LouieNeira Agreed, but it's missing the low voice harmony on the chorus ...
Never get tired of watching this video and this guy sing... legend
I think I'm in love with that back-up singer! 😍
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!
What a totally kick ass awesome tune
He still has his range 20+ years later. Impressive!
Yay my name's Leah! Nice to know there's an awesome song about me 😊❤🌞
You bet there is, Baby.
can't take credit for this but, I don't always listen to Donny Iris but when I do my neighbors do to!!
This dude has been going since the late 60s and is still playing as far as I know. What a musician.
Thanks Donnie Iris, You still got it!
One of the greatest rock anthems ever!
Is it just me?Is his backup singer smokin HOT or what. 😍
Lisa is hot!
Yup
What a great upbeat Song. Born in 70' Lived it ,Loved it.
I see when the Pastor wasnt looking the church band learned a killer song! Donnie....wow.....that was simply.....amazing!
No one is talking about the drummer killing it!
DAMN! HE'S SO GOOD LIVE!!! I STILL love this song!!
Whole second half of the song and Donnie has the mic 2 feet from his face. Boss.
I agree...way cool.
This dude can sing!
Sirius radio plays. Crankin'
At 67, my husband & I have air band night... not excluding Nelly, Rush, Florida, Triumph, Saga....love this song!
If you could only write one song and perform it, this is one of them. This song speaks volumes.
That is a great song at 100 miles per hour
Still killin' those lyrics! Ahhhhhhh Leah!!! Now that's some serious PASSION!
Yes Ann ,I remember the Jaggerz and the Rapper...a Big Hit for them.I sent this video of Donnie Iris after he left the Jaggerz and had his own Mega Hit Ah Leah.This show was performed in Pittsburgh 2002, He still performs the Pittsburgh area at 80! ....buy they what kindsa BUGS were yous talkin bout sister??
Yes...I recall this too...had the fo-dee five of The Rapper. Awesome!
Pure natural rock here……my neighbors are loving this one, too…😂
Best version of this track. EVER.
Joey Tribbiani on the rhythm guitar folks!
That's exactly what I said. Lol
🤣🤣🤣🤣
This is an excellent version.
WOW outstanding performance (decades later)...bravo!!