Village People

Countdown fact - All of the background vocals for The Village People’s best known recordings where provided by two session musicians who went on to front notable bands; Bill Champlin from Chicago, and Richard Page from Mr. Mister.

Village People were a novelty disco band of the late 1970s. The group was as well known for their outrageous on-stage costumes as for their catchy tunes and suggestive lyrics. The band was assembled in 1977 and managed by two French musicians, Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo who also produced and manufactured the music.

Selling more than 65 million recordings throughout the world, Village People continually produced catchy hits such as ‘San Francisco/In Hollywood’, ‘Macho Man’, ‘YMCA’, ‘In the Navy’ and ‘Go West’.

In 1980 The Village People starred in their own feature film Can't Stop the Music. The movie "won" the Worst Picture and Worst Screenplay prizes at the 1980 Golden Raspberry Awards in March 1981 and was nominated in almost all the other categories.

In 1981, with the popularity of disco waning and New Wave music on the rise, Village People replaced their on-stage costumes with a new look inspired by the New Romantic movement, and released the New Wave album Renaissance; it was not a commercial success.

Countdown appearances

• 12th July 1987 – Members of the Village people co host Countdown (very briefly).
• 1st June 1980 – Members of the Village people guest host Countdown.

 Original Band Members

• David “Scar” Hodo(the construction worker)
• Alex Briley (the soldier)
• Felipe Rose (the Indian)
• Victor Willis (the police officer) - until 1980; he co-authored certain songs, notably 'In the Navy', and served as lead vocalist.
• Glen Hughes (the biker), Hughes died of lung cancer on March 4 2001. (Not to be confused with Glen Hughes, the former Deep Purple bassist and vocalist.)
• Randy Jones (the cowboy) - until 1980.

Links:
http://www.officialvillagepeople.com/