While searching for a photo of Glenn Hughes for this post, I found this story that made me sad and angry. Angry because it’s blatant homophobia. Sad because the Village People were playing a concert at a shopping mall. In Myrtle Beach!! But I digress…
Glenn Hughes, original leatherman for the Village People, died March 4. He was, without a doubt, a strong influence on my teenage brain trying to revolve around this queer axis I’d been given. Growing up in a conservative and rural area in the 1970s, the Village People were one of the few gay influences to break through. And what an influence — a six-pack of stereotypes on parade!
I’m sure this is true for lots of country boys from that time who, to this day, harbor fetishes for cowboys and construction workers … and leathermen. The leatherman, to me, was provocatively ultra-masculine while at the same time out of reach — in both location and my level of sexual awareness. Forbidden fruit.
All these memories … it makes me want to pick up and read The Lure by Felice Picano again. RIP Glenn.
Ron Yeany 
Aye. RIP.
The new one: http://www.villagepeople-official.com/biker.htm
What the hell? It’s not the same.
And sweet baby Jesus — it turns out that the new Biker is the old Leonardo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
“He again donned the “extremely comfortable” green suit, and this time lent his voice as well, but as Raphael in the films A TURTLES’ CHRISTMAS and TURTLE TUNES.”
There’s so many things I can say, but I’m just not going there.
Hey…I was born in Dayton, Ohio…same as the new guy. Yikes!
I agree, he doesn’t hold a candle to Glenn. May he rest in Leatherman peace.
Hold the presses here a moment … the new leatherman has a WIFE and DAUGHTER??? I’m sorry, but that is just *so* wrong. This is the Village People, for goodness sake. We don’t want a real daddy … we want a fetish fag leather daddy.
That’s right, Ron! You tell ’em! So go apply for the position already!
(…he said, not having ever looked in your closet and seen how much leather you own.)
Oops. Turns out the cop is married with a daughter, too: http://www.villagepeople-official.com/cop.htm
The cowboy, while new since the 80s, is of undetermined relational status.
And the cop is from my hometown too… eesh!
Lets get REAL.The Village People passed away when Glen did.God bless him.The “New”Village People is a phoney,plain and simple.
Thanks for the comments in regards to Glenn. God bless him. If you’re interested in current information on the ORIGNAL VILLAGE PEOPLE COWBOY, RANDY JONES, check out the website.
http://www.randyjonesworld.com
To a beautiful and talented man,i will think of you always in your music and videos as i think of all the guys with love and admiration there is only one VillagePeople and you were part of them. RIP
If Glenn is in heaven then that is where I want to go. I grew up in an ultra-conservative home. Being a masculine yet gay male. As a young man I was severely attracted to his persona. There are certain souls that I feel I should have met in life, Gleen Hughes I believe to be one of those souls.
God bless you Glenn, wherever you are. Perhaps, somewhere over the rainbow. :^)
I just found out late last year (2001) that Glenn Hughes passed away. What a loss!!! I remember as a teenager listening to Village People when they were hot on the charts! Everytime I’d see them on t.v. – American Bandstand, I would nearly cream my jeans at the sight of such masculine display. I think part of my attraction to these guys – especially Glenn Hughes was the fact that he showed many young gay men that we too could be masculine AND homosexual. Of course the other part was that Glenn was incredibly goodlooking and hairy, hehe! The new guy that has ‘replaced’ Glenn doesn’t even hold a candle to Mr. Hughes.
Glenn……Buddy if you’re watching down from wherever you are, I just want you to know that you played such a force in the lives of many young gay men growing up. Man, I miss you SOOOO much! Rest in peace, MACHO MACHO MAN!
May Glenn Hughes rest in peace~!
I am amzed by the comments concerning the members of the Village People and their individaul sexuality…does it really matter? To my knowledge, only the original cowboy (the fabulous Randy Jones)and Felipe Rose (our beloved indian brave) are openly homosexual. All the rest of the members, (including our dear departed Biker/Leather Man)are and were heterosexual (or at least haven’t come out as gay or bi…or whatever!). Again I say…SO WHAT? The Village People were an important group for the gay community, and more importantly…the WORLD community. Would I get a tickle if I found out David Hondo was gay…? Sure! But I only hope he’s happy and healthy whoever he loves. Isn’t that what we all want for each other? As far as the innuendo of VP goes…enjoy it! The group was and IS about fun and FANTASY. Rock on.
Christopher
Glen Hughes attended Manhattan College in the Bronx. He was a friend of my brother’s and visited my home circa 1973; I was only 13 and don’t remember the visit. If my brother befriended Glen then he must have been a special person.
m abigvp fan from england and the biker is doing agreatjob no one could take glenns style but he would be pleased that thereis abikewr in the group imet glennmany years ago he was alovely person iwould love tohear from any other vp fans and wish they wpould come back to england
Glenn was by far, the best icon of masculinity I encountered growing up. He blew my mind! I don’t think anyone ever could replace him. Someone already said it; with Glenn gone, the People are GONE forever too. May he rest in peace.