The Midnight Pumpkin Blog

The Village People are a 1970’s disco group best known for their distinctive costumes: Cop, Native American, Soldier, Biker, Construction Worker, and Cowboy. However, they’ve recently come back into the limelight after performing at a Trump rally.

So, who are the Village People? Was it really them? And what’s the deal with those macho man costumes?

It Takes a Village

The Village People emerged as a band in the late 1970s, becoming a pop culture phenomenon with their catchy disco songs, flamboyant performances, and instantly recognizable character costumes.

The original lineup of the Village People consisted of six members, each dressed as a distinct character that represented a slice of Americana.

The members were Victor Willis (the Cop), Felipe Rose (the Native American), Alex Briley (the Soldier), Glenn Hughes (the Leatherman/Biker), David Hodo (the Construction Worker), and Randy Jones (the Cowboy).

These costumes were carefully chosen to reflect masculine archetypes while also embracing camp and theatricality. The idea for the characters was inspired by the vibrant subcultures and personas of New York City in the 1970s.

Felipe Rose, who was already performing as a Native American dancer in New York, was the first to be recruited. The other characters were created to round out the group, combining recognizable professions with a touch of fantasy.

The concept came from French producer Jacques Morali and his business partner Henri Belolo, who noticed the popularity of disco music among gay audiences and sought to create a group that would celebrate that culture while also appealing to mainstream audiences.

Are the Village People All Original Members?

The Village People continue to perform, but the lineup has changed over the years.

Glenn Hughes, the Leatherman, passed away in 2001. The rest of the original members are alive, although they have not all remained active with the band.

Victor Willis returned to the group in recent years, fronting a new incarnation of the band. While some of the current members are not part of the original lineup, the group still performs their iconic hits to enthusiastic crowds. (like President Trump)

The Village People Perform at Trump Rally

Yes, it was the real Village People!

In January 2025, the Village People performed at President-elect Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

This marked a notable moment, as the group had previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to Trump in 2023 regarding the unauthorized use of their music.

Victor Willis addressed the decision to perform, stating that music should transcend politics and be accessible to all. He emphasized that their participation was not an endorsement of any political agenda but rather a commitment to bringing people together through music. He also mentioned he actually supported Kamala.

The Enduring Legacy of the Village People

The Village People, with their unforgettable music and vibrant costumed personas, have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape since the late 1970s. Their ability to evolve and remain relevant—from wedding dance floors to the political arena—demonstrates the timeless appeal of their message and performances.

Although honestly after this election season, I don’t think I’ll ever think of YMCA the same way again, lol.