Victor Willis, frontman of Village People, dies age 74
ONP Summary
Victor Willis, the founding lead singer and co-writer of Village People's major hits including "YMCA," "Macho Man," and "In The Navy," died on June 30, 2026, at age 74. According to the band's announcement, he passed away following a short but severe illness. Willis was an iconic figure in the disco group, known for performing in the band's signature police officer costume.
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The co-writer of enduring hits such as YMCA and Macho Man, who struggled with drug use and legal issues for years, passed away after ‘short but aggressive illness’
Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People, has died age 74. The group shared the news in a statement: “Victor passed on Monday 30 June 2026 of a short but aggressive illness,” they said. “Privacy is requested.”
The writer of what were widely accepted as canonical gay anthems in YMCA and Macho Man – also performed in costumes of hyper-masculine male stereotypes – Willis refuted the idea that YMCA was a gay anthem and threatened to sue “each and every news organisation” that made the claim.
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