Victor Willis, the lead singer of the disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74. His wife, Karen-Huff Willis, announced his death on Facebook, stating he passed away on 30 June 2026 due to a short but serious illness. The band also released a similar message on social media.
Willis co-founded the Village People and was instrumental in writing famous songs such as “Y.M.C.A.,” “In the Navy,” and “Macho Man,” which dominated dancefloors in the late 1970s. The group’s vibrant costumes and lively performances appealed particularly to the LGBTQ community, featuring characters like builders, bikers, and soldiers.
Although Willis left the band in 1980, he rejoined in 2017. Throughout his life, he faced challenges, including a history of drug addiction and legal issues, notably a plea deal for cocaine possession in 2006.
“Y.M.C.A.,” with its call for “young men” to visit the Young Men’s Christian Association in New York, became an anthem for many, but it was controversially used at rallies supporting President Trump. Willis clarified in 2020 that he did not endorse Trump or agree with this use. He stated that legal copyright issues allowed the song to be played without his consent.
In a 2025 rally, Willis stated it was important to see what Trump’s administration would do for LGBTQ rights. A significant ruling in 2012 allowed Willis to regain partial ownership of the copyrights to some of the band’s well-known songs, facilitating his return to the group.
