Village People frontman Victor Willis dies, aged 74

Frontman of 70s pop band Village People, Victor Willis, has died aged 74, after being diagnosed with a “short but aggressive illness”.

Willis was the lead singer and founding member of the disco pop group known for hits such as Y.M.C.A and Go West.

The band announced his death on social media, saying they were “profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis,” and that he had a “short but aggressive illness”.

Victor Edward Willis was born in Dallas, Texas in 1951. He was surrounded by music from a young age and sang in his father’s Baptist church.

Victor Willis performed with Village People at Festival d’ete de Quebec in 2019 / Credit: AP

After performing in musicals and releasing some solo albums, he met French disco and dance producer Jacques Morali and songwriter Henri Belolo.

The pair owned Can’t Stop Productions, and were working with a band called the Ritchie Family who needed backing singers for their new album called African Queen.

After meeting Willis, they hired him for the job then eventually formed a new musical project in 1977, called Village People.

Recognised globally for their distinct fancy dress and disco dance moves, Willis was remembered for his policeman and naval officer outfits.

The six-man band produced international hits in the late 70s like, In the Navy, and, Macho Man, which are still played in nightclubs and discos nearly half a century after their release.

The music of Village People has also been used in the political landscape, as President Donald Trump has been known to blast the anthem and dance to Y.M.C.A at his rallies.

In March, a social media trend saw Iranians dancing to the song during the US airstrikes.

Posting on Facebook on March 3, Victor Willis said: “I think it’s really cool that Iranians would use my song to celebrate a possible change in their country.

“Hopefully peace will come soon to the people of Iran.”