Victor Willis, the iconic frontman for the disco ensemble Village People, has died at the age of 74. The group confirmed the news via their official Facebook account, noting that he passed away on Monday, June 30, 2026, following a brief but intense illness.
Born in Texas, Willis served as the band’s primary vocalist and collaborated on their most famous tracks, including YMCA, In The Navy, and Go West. The group gained global fame during the 1970s for their distinct personas, with Willis famously appearing in the roles of a police officer and a naval official.
Willis departed the band in 1980, initiating a lengthy legal dispute regarding the songwriting copyrights of his work. He eventually returned to the group in 2017, even performing YMCA during a pre-inauguration event for President Trump in January 2025. His family and representatives have requested privacy during this time.
