Village People Frontman Dies

Victor Willis, the frontman of the Village People and co-writer of their massive hit YMCA, has died, his family has said.

Posts on Willis's Facebook page and the band's official page confirmed his death, with his wife saying she made the announcement with "profound sadness".

The post on his page said: "Victor passed away on Tuesday June 30, 2026 as a result of a short, but aggressive illness. The family request privacy at this time of great loss."

His death came the day before his 75th birthday.

Village People rose to fame in the 1970s, becoming known for their camp, feelgood songs and flamboyant, fancy-dress-style costumes which were symbolic of American masculinity at the time - including a construction worker, a cowboy and a biker.

Willis was known for styling himself as a policeman, a naval officer and an athlete during their performances.

Their hits included Macho Man, Go West - later covered by the Pet Shop Boys - and In The Navy, but it was the unstoppable disco anthem YMCA that earned them platinum sales and number ones around the world.

In the UK, it spent 16 weeks in the Top 40 between 1978 and 1979, including three weeks at the top of the chart. Thanks to its earworm catchiness and accompanying dance routine, it has remained a regular at weddings and parties ever since.