Palermo, Italy, June 23, 2025, 11:53 AM IST – Victor Willis, lead singer of the legendary disco band Village People, collapsed on stage due to dehydration during a performance at the Sicilia Jazz Festival 2025 on June 22, 2025, at Palermo’s Teatro di Verdura. The incident, which occurred around 9:00 PM local time, forced the suspension of the festival’s opening concert, alarming fans and organizers.
Medical personnel at the venue quickly attended to Willis, stabilizing him before he was transferred to Villa Sofia Hospital for evaluation. Diagnosed with dehydration, Willis was treated and discharged himself later that night, opting to return to the United States per his tour commitments. Authorities and festival organizers confirmed his condition is stable, with no serious health concerns reported.
The sudden halt disrupted the Sicilia Jazz Festival’s schedule, clearing the historic Teatro di Verdura as attendees expressed concern. Social media posts on X captured the moment, with @PalermoToday reporting, “Malore sul palco per il cantante dei Village People,” and @Ticinonline noting Willis was “recovering” and heading back to the U.S. The episode highlighted the physical demands of live performances, particularly in warm weather.
Willis, the sole original member of Village People and voice behind classics like “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” has been steering the group’s resurgence since 2017. Fresh off a performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration, the band has U.S. concerts lined up for August 2025. No statement has been issued on potential tour adjustments following the incident.
