Village People lead singer Victor Willis said Monday that the group has agreed to play at a number of inauguration festivities, including one featuring President-elect Donald Trump, after receiving an invitation from Trump’s staff.
Willis wrote in a Facebook post, “We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear, but we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics.” Our song, Y.M.C.A., is a national anthem that aims to unite the nation following a turbulent and polarizing campaign in which our candidate of choice lost.
The Village People will perform at an inaugural-eve ball organized by the conservative political group Turning Point USA. According to the event website, confirmed attendees include Donald Trump Jr., Vice President-elect JD Vance, and Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s choice for head of national intelligence.
Willis praised Trump’s usage of Y.M.C.A. at campaign rallies and refuted claims that the song is a “gay anthem.” The band’s announcement follows this. Following its inclusion on Trump’s campaign playlist, the 1978 disco song saw a jump in listenership in November, according to statistics.
We think that YMCA is a song that might unite the nation and that music is not political. According to a statement sent to NBC News via email, the Village People stated that they would thus take part in a number of inaugural events.
A request for comment on the announcement and if the Village People would be performing at any formal inaugural celebrations this weekend was not immediately answered by Trump’s transition team.
Facebook commenters had diverse reactions to Monday’s announcement, with some expressing sadness and others congratulating the band.
One reader said, “Thank you for letting everyone enjoy your music and putting politics aside.”
You ought to feel ashamed, someone else wrote.