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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsVictor Willis, Lead Singer of the Village People, Dies at 74
Often performing dressed as a helmeted police officer, he also co-wrote the groups biggest hits, including Y.M.C.A. and Macho Man.Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People who also co-wrote many of the groups high-camp disco-era hits, including Y.M.C.A. and Macho Man, died on Monday. He was 74.
The group announced his death in a statement posted to social media that said the cause was a short but aggressive illness. No further details were provided.
The Village People became global stars in the 1970s by performing in the garb of sexualized male stereotypes, with Mr. Willis often wearing the uniform of a police officer (complete with helmet) or naval officer.
The critic John Rockwell, reviewing one of the groups concerts for The New York Times in 1979, described Mr. Willis as the only overt musician in the group bringing, Mr. Rockwell said, a husky gospel fervor to the high-energy numbers.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/01/arts/music/victor-willis-dead.html
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Victor Willis, Lead Singer of the Village People, Dies at 74 (Original Post)
Zorro
Jul 1
OP
BannonsLiver
(21,195 posts)1. Fuck the Village People and the horses they rode in on.
A bunch of talentless, gimmicky dipshits well before Donnie Diapers came along.
greatauntoftriplets
(179,703 posts)2. Is Spanky planning a state funeral for one of his favorite musicians
sop
(20,083 posts)3. At least lower the flag at the White House on his 88-foot Hitler pole.
Boomerproud
(9,437 posts)4. The story on NBC's site was 10% Victor Willis,90% Trump.
Pathetic.
newdeal2
(5,705 posts)5. All flags will be lowered on Trump's orders
YMCA will replace the national anthem on Saturday
msongs
(74,620 posts)6. account required to read article at link
Ars Longa
(728 posts)7. I always thought he was pretty OK, until he made his deal with Trump
in 2024 ( for the rights to use YMCA.)
He made his $$$$$ off the deal..
But, he (and the VPeople) got WAY on the wrong side of history!!
No tears!! sorry......
hamsterjill
(18,058 posts)8. I'm sorry that he passed, and send sympathies to his family.
That said...
I always thought the Indian was better looking.