Victor Willis, Lead Singer of Village People, Passes Away
Victor Willis, the frontman of the 1970s disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74, according to an announcement on the band's official social media page.
The Texas-born musician served as the lead singer and co-writer of many of the band's most famous songs, including "YMCA," "Go West," and "In The Navy."
The Village People rose to international fame in the 1970s by performing in costumes representing iconic macho characters. Willis portrayed roles such as a policeman and a naval officer during performances.
Willis departed from the band in 1980 and subsequently engaged in a prolonged legal battle over the copyright of the songs he had written. He later rejoined the group in 2017 and notably performed "YMCA" at President Trump's pre-inauguration rally in January 2025.
The news of his death was shared on the Village People's official Facebook page.
"We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People," the statement read.
"Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested."
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