August 21, 2017 | Arts / Entertainment

Trouble in the Village (People)

Original Village People
 
After 38 years out of the group, the original co-founder (and frontman) has decided to return to the Village People. The problem is the other members aren't too happy about it.
 
Victor Willis, the original cop, left the group in 1979; he hoped to start a successful solo career. Now, he not only wants back in, but he also wants to replace the current line-up.
 
“This is corporate hijacking at the highest level," argued Felipe Rose, who played the Native American in the original lineup. “He’s taking on 40 years of a well-oiled brand and 40 years of a fan base. The outrage is, is he is replacing all of us!"
 
Alex Briley (the original soldier), Ray Simpson (the cop who replaced Willis in 1979), Eric Anzalone (the leather man since 1995), Jim Newman (the cowboy since 2013) and Bill Whitefield (the construction worker since 2013) are all on the chopping block. In fact, Willis has called them all "imposters," "ex-Village People" and "karaoke faces." (Has he been saving that last one since grade two?)
 
"Despite the fact they had misled the public for many years into believing that they are the singers of the Village People hits when in fact the real singer has always been me, I offered an opportunity for several of the group members to join (including Felipe Rose) in my return at the helm of Village People. They declined my offer," Willis claimed. "They have pulled the wool over the public’s eye long enough."
 
He added that he has new members already lined up, and argued that the previous group lost the right to use the name June 1st.
 
It's always sad when stereotypes can't get along.

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