Village People Frontman Victor Willis Has Died, Aged 74

Village People performer Victor Willis has died at the age of 74.

On Wednesday morning, a post on the band’s official Facebook page announced that Victor had died on Monday, a day before what would have been his 75th birthday, following what was described as a “short but aggressive illness”.

“We are profoundly sad to announce the death of, Victor Willis lead singer of Village People,” the band’s statement said.

“Victor passed on Monday 30 June 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested.”

The Village People formed in the 1970s, with Victor among its seven founding members.

He performed on some of the band’s signature hits, including disco staples In The Navy, Go West, Macho Man and the chart-topping YMCA. He was also listed as a co-writer on all of these songs.

During their time in the spotlight, the band were also known for their use of costumes, with Victor most notably performing as a police officer and naval officer.

Following an extended break from the band, Victor returned to Village People in the mid-2010s, contributing to the festive album A Village People Christmas.

Outside of his work in Village People, Victor recorded one solo album, Solo Man, in 1979, which was finally released in 2015.

He also enjoyed success as a stage performer, and was part of the original Broadway production of the Wizard Of Oz re-imagining The Wiz.

In recent history, Village People’s biggest hit YMCA has become synonymous with Donald Trump, after the US leader repeatedly played the song at his rallies and other political events.

While Victor and his bandmates initially opposed Trump’s use of YMCA, the singer later backtracked on this, and in 2025, the group performed at the the divisive conservative group Turning Point USA’s celebration ball in honour of the president’s second inauguration.