VILLAGE PEOPLE WON’T CHANGE SONG TITLE

The Village People have confirmed that they will not be changing the title of their iconic song following news that the YMCA will be taking on a new name.

The group’s still-popular 1978 disco hit is named after the Young Men’s Christian Association (“YMCA”), a worldwide group focusing on “a healthy spirit, mind, and body”.

The song, which is a favourite among gay audiences, is seen by many as a tongue-in-cheek celebration of YMCA venues’ reputation as popular cruising spots.

The organisation announced this week that it would henceforth be known as “the Y”; the name many have used to refer to it over the years.

“It’s a way of being warmer, more genuine, more welcoming, when you call yourself what everyone else calls you,” Kate Coleman, the organisation’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, told the New York Times.

“Some things remain iconic and while we admire the organisation for the work they do, we still can’t help but wonder Y,” said the Village People’s original lead singer, Victor Willis, on the band’s website.

The group said that it “will continue to perform all four letters in their concerts around the world.”