# Victor Willis, the frontman of the 1970s disco group Village People, has died at the age of 74 after a short but aggressive illness. 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 but rejoined in 2017 and performed YMCA at US President Donald Trump’s pre-inauguration rally in January 2025.
Village People frontman Victor Willis dies aged 74