Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People and co-writer of “YMCA”, dies at 74
The news of his death was confirmed by the group through a statement on social networks.
The music world is in mourning with the death of Victor Willis, leader of the disco group Village People and known for co-writing the hits “YMCA”, “Go West” and “In The Navy”.
The news of his death was shared by the group through a statement released from their official Facebook account: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead vocalist of Village People,” the brief note states.
Among the causes of death, the band confirmed that complications derived from an illness that they did not specify were treated.
"Victor died on Monday, June 30, 2026 after a brief but aggressive illness. Privacy is requested," the group extends from their social networks.
The death of Victor Willis marks the end of an era, but the beginning of an unbreakable legacy that began in the 70s, with the creation of “Village People” at the height of disco music.
Along with Felipe Rose, Alex Briley, David Hodo, Glenn Hughes and Randy Jones, they imposed fashion by using costumes of male stereotypes as costumes in their presentations, including a police officer, cowboy, Native American Indian and a worker.
And although the performer left the band in 1979 and litigated for years over the copyright of the songs he wrote during his time in the group, he rejoined in 2017. After his return, he starred in “YMCA” at a rally prior to President Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025, polarizing public opinion.
According to Willis' testimony, his time away from the Village People led him to embark on a solo career that was not very successful, leading him to drug use for more than two decades.
It would not be until the year 2000 when the famous man managed to get out of addiction thanks to a government program and just a few months later he met who would be his second wife, a lawyer who helped him fight for the copyright of his hits in Village People.
In 2015, Victor Willis finally obtained a favorable ruling in the case in which it was determined that he should obtain 50% ownership of his song “YMCA”, as well as other greatest hits.