2008-09-16 - YES, IT FINALLY HAPPENED! On Friday Sept.12 at 11:30am in Los Angeles, Village People were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

In person and through letters, they were congratulated by Village People producer and creator Henri Belolo, iconic producer and music world impresario Dick Clark, superstar comedienne Phyllis Diller, Gold Medal Olympian Greg Louganis, singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester, the one and only Charo, disco recording artists Maxine Nightingale and Taste of Honey’s Janice-Marie Johnson, and more. Fans surrounded the podium and the media was overwhelming from Access Hollywood to TMZ to CNN. The group arrived at 11:25am in a white limo. Chamber of Commerce President Leron Gubler introduced the group and summarized their history in the music industry. Then David Hodo took the podium and thanked the many important people who are responsible for the group’s success over more than 30 years: producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo, former members Victor Willis, Randy Jones, Glenn Hughes, arranger Horace Ott.. The list was so long that he joked that “if this was the Oscar’s, the orchestra would start playing”. And as his finale, David gave the fans and media a lesson on the correct way to do the “YMCA” hand gestures. Cowboy Jeff Olson spoke of the group’s history with Debbie Reynolds and emotionally thanked his brothers in the group. Then G.I. Alexander Briley told of working with Phyllis Diller on the Merv Griffin show. “At least for once I wasn’t overdressed,” she joked. Eric Anzalone paid tribute to original Biker Glenn Hughes who we tragically lost to cancer and what it meant to him to have taken over the role. Indian Felipe Rose in full headdress read a lovely letter from the group’s good friend Dick Clark. And lead singer Ray Simpson thanked the Police forces in L.A. and everywhere for the honor of wearing their costume. He smiled as he explained the difficulty he has getting through security at airports with his costume and fake gun. The Star was then revealed, situated between Liberace and Betty Grable at 6529 Hollywood Blvd (near Wilcox, if you want to take a look). After the ceremony, the media interviews and autograph signing on the street, the ceremony’s guests reconvened at The Kress, the most spectacular new restaurant/club on Hollywood Blvd. for lunch, toasts, more media and speeches. Later that evening, the group sponsored a private get-together on the rooftop of Le Parc Hotel in West Hollywood where they were staying. Special thanks to Ana Martinez-Holler and Jeff Briggs, Esq. and President Leron Gubler of the Chamber of Commerce who went out of their way to make this ceremony a special occasion! Thanks also to our wonderful publicist and friend Brad Lemack! Security was magnificently handled by Richie Malchar and his partners along with the supportive L.A.P.D. officers at the ceremony. One last thank you to two people without whom this award ceremony may never have happened: Deborah Crawford and Kirk Weber. Photos will be on the website in a few days...