The iconic disco group Village People announced they will take part in the inauguration festivities for President-elect Donald Trump.

Known for their legendary anthem “Y.M.C.A.,” a staple at Trump rallies, the group is standing firm on their belief that music transcends political divides, as reported by Newsmax.

Image Credit: © Richard Burkhart/USA Today / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
President-elect Donald Trump dances on the stage at the Johnny Mercer Theater during his first campaign event in Savannah, Georgia, in September. He is set to take office with an inauguration ceremony to be held on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C.

Victor Willis, a founding member of the band, addressed the upcoming performance on Facebook, acknowledging that their decision might ruffle some feathers.

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“We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear; however, we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics,” Willis wrote.

He added, “Our song ‘Y.M.C.A.’ is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost. We believe it’s now time to bring the country together with music.”

Willis also clarified the group’s stance on allowing Trump to use their signature song during his rallies, pointing out that the former president acquired the proper BMI license.

Last month, Willis explained that he saw no reason to withdraw permissions, as Trump seemed to genuinely enjoy the track.

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“I simply didn’t have the heart to prevent his continued use of my song in the face of so many artists withdrawing his use of their material,” Willis shared, noting that his wife informed BMI not to revoke Trump’s license.

According to Willis, the band’s association with the Trump campaign has been a financial boon. He revealed that the exposure has helped the group make millions and debunked rumors that “Y.M.C.A.” is a “gay anthem.”

Image Credit: © Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Village People perform YMCA during the 79th MLB All-Star Game at the old Yankee Stadium in the Bronx July 15, 2008. The American League won the game 4-3 in the 15th inning of a game that took just under 5 hours to play.

Willis said, “My writing partner was gay, and some (not all) of Village People were gay, and that the first Village People album was totally about gay life. This assumption is also based on the fact that the YMCA was apparently being used as some sort of gay hangout. To that I say once again, get your minds out of the gutter. It is not.”

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Despite pushback from some fans, the Village People appear undeterred, focusing on the unifying power of their music. Willis’s message to critics is clear: the goal is unity, not division.

As the country continues to navigate deep political divides, the disco anthem might just serve as a reminder that music still has the power to bring people together, no matter how unlikely it seems.

 

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