Remembering Glenn Hughes Original Village People Mustache Man

March 9, 2026

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ajtonyperkins

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I have mentioned Glenn Hughes and the Village People in previous posts. This one is dedicated to his memory.

From https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AkBBE7hxJ/

American singer Glenn Hughes, who was the original “Leatherman” character in the disco group Village People from 1977 to 1996, died on March 4, 2001, at his Manhattan apartment from lung cancer, aged 50. He was subsequently interred wearing his leatherman outfit at Saint Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.

Hughes sported an extravagant horseshoe moustache and wore his trademark leather outfit on and off stage and became one of the iconic figures of the disco era. According to Jack Fritscher, Jacques Morali drew his inspiration for the character from the gay BDSM leather bar and sex club of the Mineshaft’s dress code. Hughes frequented the club. He was a bike fanatic in real life and kept his motorcycle parked inside his house.

Hughes was named on People’s 1979 list of ‘Most Beautiful People’and appeared in the television special Magic Night at the Playboy Mansion with Hugh Hefner.

In 1996, Hughes retired from the group and launched a successful New York cabaret act until he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had been a heavy smoker since he was a teenager. He was replaced by Eric Anzalone though continued with management of the band.