Victor Willis , the commanding frontman of legendary 1970s disco group Village People and the voice behind global anthems including YMCA and Macho Man , has died aged 75 after a short illness. Willis passed away on Monday, 30 June 2026, with the band confirming his death two days later in a statement on Facebook.
"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," the group wrote.
A creative force behind one of disco's biggest acts
Victor Willis was not only the face of Village People but a key creative architect of the group's sound. Working alongside producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo, Willis co-wrote many of the band's biggest hits, helping to define the disco era with his powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence.
The group's catalogue became embedded in popular culture across nearly five decades, with their songs becoming fixtures at sporting events, on dance floors and in film and television. Village People also scored major hits with In The Navy — which reached number two — as well as Go West and Can't Stop The Music.
The band were renowned for their elaborate costumed personas. Willis himself performed variously as a police officer, a naval admiral and an athlete over the course of the group's career. Village People also appeared in the 1980 American comedy film Can't Stop The Music , a loose, fictionalised account of the group's origins.
YMCA, its meaning and a political controversy
YMCA became one of the most recognisable songs in pop history and is widely regarded as a gay anthem — though Willis stated as recently as 2024 that this was never the song's intended meaning.
The track took on fresh political dimensions when US President Donald Trump began using it at campaign rallies during his 2020 re-election bid, which he lost to Joe Biden. At the time, Village People issued a cease-and-desist letter objecting to the use of their music, and Willis publicly stated the band did not endorse Trump.
By Trump's successful 2024 campaign, however, the song was again a rally staple — and a line-up of the band performed at events surrounding Trump's January 2025 inauguration. The decision to appear drew criticism from at least one former member, Jim Newman, who said on Instagram that the original band "would never ever" perform at a Trump rally.
Trump also used the group's song Macho Man at various rallies over the years.
Trump pays tribute as condolences flow
Following news of Willis's death, Trump posted a tribute on his Truth Social platform, describing Willis as "a great and happy guy who loved that I used his group's song, YMCA, at my Rallies."
"It became a 'monster' hit, again, 30 years after its original launch," Trump wrote, adding that Willis and Village People "loved the action" of the rallies. "We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed, God Bless Him!!!"
Village People's request for privacy has been noted, with no further details about funeral arrangements or surviving family members made public at this stage.
A legacy spanning five decades
Willis leaves behind a musical legacy that transcended genre, era and borders. From the height of the disco boom in the late 1970s through to stadium performances in the 2020s, his voice remained synonymous with some of the most jubilant and enduring songs in modern music history. Village People's anthems show no sign of fading from the cultural consciousness any time soon.
