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For 40 years, the music of Village People has been putting smiles on the faces of fans all around the world. Their hits have become part of the international songbook – and heard in commercials from Pepsi to Wonderful Pistachios. In fact, the iconic Y.M.C.A (along with its dance) is featured at almost every party, wedding, bar mitzvah, and sporting event.
It began in 1977 when producer/composer Jacques Morali, with business partner Henri Belolo, were recording a new album for their group, Ritchie Family, called African Queens. One of the background singers recruited for the album by arranger and conductor Horace Ott was Victor Willis who was performing in the Broadway musical The Wiz. After completing the album, Morali and Belolo again approached Willis – this time about another musical project they were planning.
“I had a dream that you sang lead vocals on an album I produced, and it went very, very big,” Morali told Willis. “I have four tracks. I can’t pay you much right now but if you agree, I’ll make you a star.” Willis agreed.
Those four tracks, San Francisco (You’ve Got Me), In Hollywood (Everyone’s a Star), Fire Island, and Village People were recorded by Willis with professional background singers and released on the debut album Village People in 1977. Essentially, Village People initially was simply Victor Willis. The album quickly rose to the top of the dance charts.
Demand for the “group” to appear in concert and on television shows like American Bandstand and Merv Griffin was great. The only problem ... there was no group! This forced Morali, Belolo and Willis to put together an actual group around Willis and quick.
Village People become an international phenomenon with the release of their second album, Macho Man. Following the release of their third album, Cruisin, they embarked on a worldwide tour. Cher, Madonna and Joan Rivers are among artists who appeared on the bill with Village People everywhere from Las Vegas to Madison Square Garden to Hollywood’s Greek Theatre. Even Michael Jackson shared billing with the group.
With hits like San Francisco/In Hollywood, Macho Man, YMCA, In the Navy and Go West, the group sold more than 100 million records worldwide and earned many awards including the American Music Award-Favorite Musical Group 1979. Village People was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone. Television appearances included a Bob Hope Special, 20/20, American Bandstand, Solid Gold, Soul Train, Midnight Special, and Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert.
Village People hits are featured in dozens of major motion pictures, including Wayne’s World II, Adams Family Values, The Nutty Professor, and Despicable Me 2. The Broadway hit Priscilla: Queen of the Desert features the Village People tune Go West. The songs are also heard in casinos around the world in “Village People Party” slot machines. In September 2008, the group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Over the years, various renditions of Village People consistently toured the world with several replacement lead singers.
On the 40th anniversary of the group, Willis, the original lead singer, returned. With his powerful and distinctive voice, the party continues with the original “Hot Cop” back at the helm featuring a live band for a world class Village People performance and headline act.
the VILLAGE PEOPLE put on a very good show. Seating was very bad. had a hard time seeing over taller people at table below us. The after party ticket was a waste of money. The crowd was not controlled. Very disappointing..
My wife and I were surprise that this event was packed, but we also got the after show and we tried to get pictures with the group but not allowed because to many people and the group had to leave but the cowboy stay behind and took a picture with my wife!
These guys really put on a show. Took it back to the 70's........literally
Outstanding concert by the Village People. Played all there origional songs and a new one as well. The venue was different sort of like a dinner theatre at the Resorts but overall good seating. After party for Village People was fantastic as well.
I was very impressed with the solid performance that the group gave. Often one does not know what to expect with an oldies group. One wants to hear the nostalgic sounds of yesteryear, but sometimes the groups just can't deliver that. However, these guys were very energetic with their dance moves and they carried their tunes well. It was as if time had not marched on. I found myself singing and wanting to get up and dance like the old days. Anyone looking to catch that true disco beat would not be disappointed with this concert.
The Village People show was a blast! They had everyone in the audience up and dancing. I was impressed with their boundless energy and polished performance.
Excellent high energy show, dancing in the aisles!!!!
Didn't know what to expect from a 70's band - was not disappointed! It was the most fun I've had at a show in a long time. I would go again in a heartbeat. Just wished it was longer!!!! And that they sold T-shirts!!! :) I took my kids (17 & 13) and they had a great time.
First, The Trammps were the opening act and played for about 1/2 hour. I only recognized one or two songs but they sure can dance. Disco Inferno is their well-known song. Then after a short intermission, the Village People played for about 75 minutes. The Village People were fabulous. They had everyone on their feet. They sang all of their songs, plus a new great song. I didn't want it to end. The Village People sure put on a tremendous concert! I am giving it 5 stars because of the Village People. Could have done better with a different opening act though.
Great!! Fun and interactive; audience participation and lots of dancing! It was nice to hear clean, fun lyrics.
Having the legendary Tramps to open the show was a welcomed appetizer! The Village People were in rare form. Their choreography & energy was stupendous and on point! I can't believe that 36 years later, after buying..my then..2 year old son every Village People record, that I finally get a chance to see them perform. I took my daughter who is 30 years old and she partied the night away! What a way to celebrate my 63rd birthday!
The show was good. . fun .. silly. The group played with a lot of energy doing all the favorites and some covers from other bands. They didn't sell many tickets, so we were able to move up closer to the stage.
Fun entertainment for any age I'm 67 and my 87 year old father loved the show The tramps were enjoyable as well
Took my Mom for a night out and it did not disappoint!
I was surprised that there was no opening act to get things warmed up. Big fan of 70s music and have seen the Village People several times in the past. I felt that the venue (while very beautiful) did not lend itself to the party like atmosphere that you expect with the Village People. I was disappointed overall with the show but would go again to see the group in a different setting or with other acts. Tickets were overpriced for just 75 minutes of show.
Very good, concert. Got the entire audience involved in the show. Absolutely one of the most enjoyable concerts that I ever been at.
Only played for 70 minutes. Put on decent show but not worth the money and time to travel to venue
We loved it. The Village People did a good job of getting the audience involved. My wife and I both enjoyed singing along, and we're glad we went, even though our music preferences mainly predated disco.
This was the worst concert I have ever seen. There was NO band!!! It was VERY short!!! It sucked! Not worth $50.00. Maybe $5.00 at the most. Very disappointing. The best part of the concert was the company I was with.
the show was amazing and the fact that performers shook hands with folks and then came ut to party in the bar for New Years with folks made them the best performers I have ever seen. They had so many people emulating them on the side of the stage and enjoyed people participating in the music
