Village People frontman Victor Willis dies aged 74

Victor Willis, the frontman of 1970s disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74, the band's official social media page has announced.

The Texas-born musician was the lead singer and co-writer of the band's biggest hits including YMCA, Go West and In The Navy.

The group became international stars in the 70s by performing while dressed as archetypal macho characters. Willis was alternately a policeman and a naval officer.

He left the band in 1980 and spent years fighting a legal battle over copyright to the songs he'd written. But he rejoined in 2017 and performed YMCA at President Trump's pre-inauguration rally in January 2025.

His death was announced on the band's official Facebook page.

"We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People," said the brief statement.

"Victor passed on Monday June 30, 2026 of a short but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested."

-BBC