Victor Willis, the original lead singer of Village People and the co-writer of disco classics including YMCA, has died at the age of 74 following a short illness.
His death was announced in statements shared on both his official Facebook page and the band's social media accounts. His family said he died on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, following what was described as a "short, but aggressive illness."
“Victor passed away on Tuesday June 30, 2026 as a result of a short, but aggressive illness. The family request privacy at this time of great loss.”
A similar statement was shared by the band, which said: “We are profoundly sad to announce the death of Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People.”
Born in Texas, Willis became one of the defining voices of the disco era as the frontman of Village People, the flamboyant group that found worldwide fame in the 1970s with their colourful costumes and infectious dance anthems.
Performing as characters including a policeman and a naval officer, the band became cultural icons with hits such as YMCA, Go West and In The Navy.
Beyond his distinctive vocals, Willis was also a key songwriter, co-writing many of the group's biggest songs, including YMCA, which has remained one of the most recognisable pop songs of all time and continues to be played at sporting events, celebrations and parties around the world.
Victor Willis pictured with his band, Village People. Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
Willis left Village People in 1980 before embarking on a lengthy legal battle to reclaim the copyright to songs he had helped write. After years away from the group, he rejoined in 2017 and resumed performing with the band.
Most recently, Willis and Village People performed YMCA at Donald Trump's pre-inauguration rally in January 2025, bringing one of the group's signature hits back into the global spotlight.
Tributes are expected to pour in for the singer, whose voice and songwriting helped define an era of popular music and cemented Village People as one of the most successful disco acts in history.
