Village People lead singer Victor Willis dies aged 74
An iconic music star has died at the age of 74.
Village People lead singer Victor Willis has sadly died on Monday, June 30. His family shared a statement revealing the star died following a “short but aggressive illness”, adding that “privacy is requested.”
The statement read: “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.”
Fans have paid tribute to the singer on social media. One person wrote, “Very sad, I loved Macho Man. I remember when my Dad first saw the Village People he didn’t know they were designed as a gay band. He even asked the person next to him if they were actually gay. That always made me laugh. Rest easy Victor.”
A second person added, “Rest in peace, Victor Willis. The legendary lead singer of the Village People and the voice behind “Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” and “In the Navy” has passed away at 74. His powerful vocals defined the disco era and created anthems that will play forever. Thank you for the music.”
“OH HELL NAW!!!! R.I.P. Victor. Thanks for all the memories with the YMCA. My favorite memory with the song is when everyone gathered outside the White House after Biden won and everyone danced in unison. The whole country was dancing in the street!,” a third added.
Village People has been beloved by fans with songs such as Go West and Can’t Stop The Music, and also achieved two UK hit albums.
They also featured in the 1980 American comedy film Can’t Stop The Music, which was a pseudo-biography of the group.
Willis was born on July 1, 1951, in Texas and grew up in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco.
After leaving Village People in 2010, Willis appeared at several Major League Baseball stadiums, performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and leading the crowd in the traditional “Y.M.C.A.” seventh-inning stretch.
In 1979, Willis recorded a solo album that remained unreleased for over 35 years. The album, Solo Man, was finally released in August 2015.
He also performed with a version of the disco band at a number of events for US President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
