On July 1st, local time, the band Village People, who created the song "Y.M.C.A.", confirmed through their official Facebook account that lead singer Victor Willis had passed away at the age of 74. Upon hearing this news, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a tribute on social media platforms.
Victor Willis's social media account confirmed the news of his death.
Trump wrote that Victor Willis was a kind and cheerful person, and he was very pleased that Trump used the song "Y.M.C.A." during his campaign rally. This old song became an instant hit after its debut 30 years ago, becoming a phenomenon-level popular track.
Trump said, “Victor and his band have been firmly on our side from the beginning! They enjoyed the lively atmosphere at the concert, and we love them, as well as this inspiring classic piece.”
Trump wrote that from now on, whenever the Y.M.C.A. music plays, whether it is today or during the entire American Independence Day weekend, everyone will remember Victor.
According to the BBC, Victor Willis was born in Texas. In the 1970s, his band, the country band, became popular worldwide due to their iconic hardcore look.
In the late 1970s, the band released many hit songs. However, as the disco style became unpopular, the band eventually disbanded.
In an interview in 2015, he admitted that during those years he was deeply depressed and simply completely disappeared from public view, even starting to use drugs.
In 2006, he underwent drug withdrawal treatment in accordance with the court judgment and completed a three-year probation sentence. In 2017, he returned to the band.
President Trump used "Y.M.C.A." as the theme song for his political campaign, and often danced to the iconic "bath dance" along with the music. Initially, Willis did not agree with this decision, claiming that the band had asked him not to use that song anymore.
Trump often follows Y.M.C.A.'s iconic "bath dance" while dancing.
"I have never stood with Trump at any rallies, and the local band has also never supported him. We've even explicitly requested that he not play our songs at gatherings, as per interviews from British Broadcasting Corporation in 2020. 'However, due to US copyright law restrictions...as long as there is no illegal use, he can play our music anywhere anytime,' and so we are unable to force him to stop."
During the campaign rally for President Trump before his inauguration in January 2025, Willis took the stage to perform "Y.M.C.A.", which surprised a large number of fans.
He posted on Facebook explaining: "We know that this decision will disappoint some people, but we believe that music should not be involved in politics. 'Y.M.C.A.' is a classic that has gained worldwide popularity. We hope that this song can help bridge the gap between nations after this election, which has been full of divisions and disappointing results."
