The Village People get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

[needlefingers]

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The Village People get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame - Los Angeles Times

The Village People get star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

About 250 colorfully dressed fans turn out to cheer the famed disco-era musical group.

By Bob Pool, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
September 13, 2008

Hollywood was overflowing with costumed characters Friday as disco music fans turned out to watch the Indian, the cowboy, the policeman, the construction worker, the biker and the soldier receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Hundreds experienced a 1970s flashback as the Village People were recognized for their catchy, kitschy tunes, including their signature hit, "YMCA." Fittingly, their star at 6529 Hollywood Blvd. is a block north of Hollywood's YMCA.

The group did not perform, but the crowd bobbed to recordings of "YMCA" and "Macho Man." Many waved Village People album covers. Among the fans were entertainer Charo, singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester and former Olympic diver Greg Louganis.

"This is lovely. It's really to the point and poignant," said fan Lisette St. Claire, 50, a casting director from Valley Village. Clad in a blouse bearing the words "Got Disco?" and toting an "American Bandstand" jacket, she held a miniature mirrored disco ball in the air.

"I invented the 'YMCA' hand movements when I was a dancer on 'American Bandstand,' " she said.


Next to her, Gus Calderon was wearing a leather vest, an old military officer's hat and a shirt that read "Disco Gus."

"I called in sick so I could come here today," said the 47-year-old postal worker from Monterey Park.

Bill Davis, 60, was in his favorite tie-dyed T-shirt. He was carrying three Village People albums and two loose Village People records for the group's members to sign.

"Their music is still danceable music. It's happy music," said the retired Hollywood department store worker.

The crowd included four visitors from Wooster, Ohio, in town for today's USC-Ohio State football game. "We were just driving by and saw the crowd," said Ryan Gochnauer, a 32-year-old electrician. Although he was too young to remember the Village People craze, "I know their songs."

For their part, the Village People seemed genuinely pleased to be receiving the Walk of Fame's 2,369th star.

The group's construction worker character, David Hodo, thanked by name the group's founders, ex-members, lyricists, choreographers, agents and record representatives.

"If this were the Academy Awards, the orchestra music would be welling up right now," said Hodo, one of the group's original members.

Cowboy character Jeff Olson, who replaced Randy Jones in the group in 1980, said no one would have imagined then that the Village People would still be performing in 2008. "We're at the L.A. County Fair tomorrow," he reminded Friday's crowd.

Soldier character Alexander Briley, another original member, read part of a congratulatory letter from comedian Phyllis Diller. She joked that she remembered meeting them on "The Merv Griffin Show" and "for once I wasn't overdressed."

Biker character Eric Anzalone, who took over the role after the death of original group member Glenn Hughes, explained that the other five performers "have become my brothers" since he joined the Village People in 1995. Turning to them, he added: "It's an honor to share the stage with you."

Indian Felipe Rose, an original member, read a note to the group from former TV host Dick Cavett, who wrote that "I can still see the kids on 'American Bandstand' gesticulating" to the song "YMCA."

"What is 'gesticulating?' " Rose asked with a grin.

Policeman character Ray Simpson thanked the Transportation Security Administration agents who allow him aboard airplanes with his cop costume, which includes a holstered pistol. "When you travel with a Glock that looks real, even when it's not," you attract attention, Simpson said.

Among those watching the sidewalk ceremony was Victor Willis. He was the Village People's original policeman. On Friday he was wearing a fake police uniform that included a gun. LAPD officers assigned to the ceremony took Willis aside and quietly examined it; it turned out to be a pellet gun.

"I'm happy they're getting a star," said Willis, who left the group in 1979 after writing "YMCA" and co-writing "Macho Man." "I guess everyone is surprised when something lasts 30 years."

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

BRAVO, Boys!
It's about damn time.

[markydefad]

I walk down Hollywood Boulevard everyday and see the "stars" on my way to the subway at Hollywood & Highland to get to work. I've been thinking about compiling a "stars" on Hollywood Boulevard that had a connection to disco---but it hasn't happened yet. :icon_rolleyes::icon_eek:

I assume the Village People star is further east than Highland because I didn't see the ceremony set-up yesterday.

Each morning I do walk by The Supremes and The Temptations who are right next to each other just east of LaBrea. Stevie Wonder and The Four Tops are in the same vicinity along with Paul Newman & Sophia Loren who are just before The Supremes at the end of the block. Donna Summer is next to Tom Hanks on the next block going east....maybe someday, I'll draw up a little chart!

[kdavid13]

Nice to hear this bit of news ; the boys have been entertaining us for years.

As much as I loved the original line-up I must admit that Eric Anzalone is quite stunning as the leatherman.:icon_cool:

[Videoskooter]

I walk down Hollywood Boulevard everyday and see the "stars" on my way to the subway at Hollywood & Highland to get to work.

Marky, we have footage of you doing that! The Discomusic.com Webcam!

[paul]

That's great news :icon_biggrin:

[Cdnbob]

Good for them!

[drlove]

Glad to see them getting honored for their contributions to our entertainment. Fairly amazing that after all of these years, 3 of the original 6 have stayed with the group, and that Ray (replacing Victor) and Jeff (replacing Randy) go all the way back to 1980 with the group. R.I.P. Glenn -- sorry he didn't live to see this great day.

[VINYLLIFE]

Disco does live in L.A!!! Liz, Gus and a few of my other best friends were on hand........I was busy:icon_lol: I am one of those VP are not Disco types!...sorry. And YES it's true Liz and some others from the Band Stand taping that day invented the Y M C A dance and the VP took it from there.........Now Marky.....one more clue as to how I might find you one day.......you didn't mention "what time" you board at Hollywood and Highland.........even if it takes six million steps...I'll track you down one day:icon_smile:

photos and videos of event WARNING:THESE VIDEOS ARE A CRACK UP
****CLICK ON IMAGE****

[remicks]

*****

.......Now Marky.....one more clue as to how I might find you one day.......you didn't mention "what time" you board at Hollywood and Highland.........even if it takes six million steps...I'll track you down one day:icon_smile:

Now hard can it be spotting a guy like this


strutting along Hollywood Blvd. near the Village People's star ???

:icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen: :icon_exclaim:



*****

[VINYLLIFE]

ROFL:icon_smile::icon_smile:
That was funny remicks.....But we are in Hollywood. Hey call me!!!!

[SandraDee]

I must admit that Eric Anzalone is quite stunning as the leatherman.:icon_cool:

He looks OK but his moustache doesn't come close to Glenn's magnificent example.

[kdavid13]

Oh that's a given... :icon_lol: