Like Elvis, everyone
either knows them, or of them. The brain-child of Jaques
Morali, after seeing Felipe in full
Indian
regalia dancing to a crowd in Greenwich Village. He decided to
put together a group reflecting several different American
social styles. The Disco era was in full swing and Village
People became an instant hit.
San Francisco/In Hollywood, Fire Island. Macho Man, YMCA, In
the Navy, Go West, become essential hits played at clubs
throughout the world. 'Fire Island' used to be my CB handle
all those years ago when the craze was fashionable. Now, does
that say something...?
"Can't
Stop the Music" starring Village People remains a cult film.
Not a great success at the time (the Disco era was past its
peak) but essential for their many fans. Copies do seem hard
to find in the UK. Victor Willis, the original cop, quit the
group only days before filming started and so doesn't appear.
Eighteen years later he's arrested and jailed on robbery and
drug charges. The Press, unhelpfully, still linked him with
the group.
The group broke-up for a while in the eighties, but (thank
heavens!) reformed in the nineties. They still currently tour
world-wide and if you get the chance to see them live, don't
miss it! It really is an experience! I was privileged to see
them live in Bristol some years back!
The current crew are: Eric Anzalone (Biker), Alexander Briley
(GI), David Hodo (Constr.Wkr), Jeff Olsen
(Cowboy),
Felipe Rose (Indian) Ray Simpson (Cop).
Victor Willis (Orig. Cop) and Randy Jones (Orig. Cowboy) are
no longer with the group. Jaques Morali died in 1991 aged
44yrs.
Update: Sadly, on March 4th. 2001, Glenn Hughes died from lung
cancer at his home in Manhattan. He was 50. Although still
associated with Village People he had not appeared with them
since 1996, preferring to sing locally in Manhattan Cabarets.
(Village People sold more than 65 million albums and singles
during his time with them.) A great voice and a great
character, he will be sadly missed. Village People are
currently doing concerts in America. - 20/03/01.
Update: 'Can't Stop The Music' re-mastered and
re-released on DVD April '02.
Village People in Celebrity Family Feud.
Photo credit: Danny Feld. (Original is larger and
good quality.)
Shown USA February 2003 - Will we ever see it in the
UK?
Indian
regalia dancing to a crowd in Greenwich Village. He decided to
put together a group reflecting several different American
social styles. The Disco era was in full swing and Village
People became an instant hit.
