Victor Willis, the lead singer of Village People, has died at the age of 75.
The news was announced on the band’s social media accounts, with a post that said: “We are profoundly sad to announce the death of VICTOR WILLIS, lead singer of Village People.
“Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested.”
Singer-songwriter Willis was a founding member of the iconic disco group, whose hits include “Y.M.C.A”, “Go West” and “In The Navy”.
Village People were formed in the late 1970s after Can’t Stop Productions, who had hits in Europe under their belts, decided to try cracking America.
The duo behind the production house discovered Willis via a demo tape.
When the first Village People album proved to be a hit, they recruited dancers to join the singer on the club circuit and the group adopted their character costumes, with Willis dressing as a police officer.
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