By Russo Millien
New York City-based disco legends the Village People, known for their manly costumed personas, dance moves and enduring hits, will take the historic Suffolk Theater in Riverhead by storm on Friday night.
Fans can relive the disco-era as the sextet performs their late-1970s smash hits, such as “Macho Man,” “In The Navy” and “YMCA.” Don’t be surprised if they also play “Fire Island,” a lesser-known locally inspired song about their trips to the LGBT mecca of Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines.
“The Kings of Disco,” as the group has been crowned, will also perform odes to other popular songs of that genre as well as their own chart-toppers that have rocked parties for decades.
The local performance comes as the Village People near the 40th anniversary of the release of their self-titled debut album featuring the classics “San Francisco” and “In Hollywood (Everyone Is a Star).”
The Village People were formed in ’77 by the late French musical composer Jacques Morali, who was inspired by a demo he received from actor/singer Victor Willis, the band’s original lead singer.
After a few lineup changes over the years, the current members include: Felipe Rose, who dresses as a Native American; Alex Briley, the soldier persona; Ray Simpson, the police officer; Eric Anzalone, the biker; Jim Newman, the cowboy; and Bill Whitefield, the construction worker.
Their first four albums have enjoyed major critical success, but their popularity fell with the resignation of Willis as lead singer and the decline of disco music in the ’80s. They later regrouped and took their show back on the road, performing for countless fans of their infectious hits.
Photo: Many disco dance legends The Village People will be taking Suffok Theater by storm on Friday, Jan. 13! (Photo: Village People Facebook profile)
The Village People will be performing at Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main Street in Riverhead. For more information, visit suffolktheater.com Ticket prices range from $45-$65. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m., Jan. 13.
