The Village People are set to perform at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C., despite tension among the group’s founding members and lead singer Victor Willis. The legendary disco group, formed in 1977 by French producers Jacques Morali, Henri Belolo, and lead singer Victor Willis, will perform their iconic hit “Y.M.C.A.” at the event.
However, former member Felipe Rose has expressed his disapproval of performing with the group, stating he was excluded from participating due to a long-standing lawsuit between him and Willis. Rose, who was part of the group for 38 years, claims that Willis sued everyone out of money after he left the group in 1980.
The rift among the Village People has been ongoing for years, with Willis and other original members having trade public barbs over the rights to the group’s name and music. In 2017, Willis secured exclusive rights to the Village People name, leaving other original members out of the picture.
Despite the tension, Willis will take center stage at Trump’s inauguration, performing “Y.M.C.A.” in a show that promises to be an entertaining spectacle.
Source: https://americansongwriter.com/village-people-founding-members-at-odds-as-band-takes-stage-for-inauguration