Paul Gerald Cattermole was born on March 7, 1977, in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Growing up in a modest household—his grandfather worked at the famed Abbey Road Studios—he was exposed to music early, sowing the seeds for a creative journey ahead . Though he once aspired to a rugby career, many classmates and mentors recalled a shy young man more drawn to singing than sports. Despite this timidity, a pivotal duet with Emma Bunton (later of the Spice Girls) in school hinted at a latent star quality .
By age 16, Cattermole formed a heavy metal band called Skua, wanting something rawer than teen pop. Soon after, he auditioned for a newly forming pop group assembled by Simon Fuller—thus launching his rise as a founding member of S Club 7 in 1998 .
Stardom and Pop Legacy: S Club 7’s Rise to Fame
S Club 7 quickly became a cultural phenomenon, merging catchy pop tunes with family-friendly TV escapades like Miami 7, L.A. 7 and beyond. Their debut album, S Club (1999), hit number one in the UK, and they went on to release four studio albums, sell over ten million records globally, and score multiple No.1 singles and Brit Awards .
Paul’s distinctive presence—he described himself as “the wild card”—offered an unpredictable spark to the group. Yet by mid‑2002, that creative spark was dimming under managerial constraints. Frustrated, he left the band to return to Skua and was part of S Club 7’s final televised series, Viva S Club. His last performance with the group was at Party at the Palace during Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee .
After the Spotlight: Life Beyond the Band
Life outside the whirlwind of S Club 7 wasn’t easy. After a stint in The Rocky Horror Show, including a back injury from an on‑stage accident, Paul shifted into odd jobs and even community radio management to make ends meet . In 2018, financial pressures led him to auction his Brit Awards on eBay—his breakthrough award fetched over £66,000 before the buyer backed out .
Despite the hardships, he remained close to his roots. In 2019, he made an appearance on First Dates Hotel where a touching but awkward moment illustrated his desire to find connection again .
“We’re just going to keep his memory alive and share it with all of you… and it’s going to make it even more special.”
— Jo O’Meara on honoring Paul’s legacy
Reunions and Reflection: S Club 7’s Comebacks
S Club 7 reunited intermittently over the years. In 2014, they came together for BBC Children in Need, and in 2015 launched the Bring It All Back arena tour . But the biggest comeback was announced in February 2023: a 25th‑anniversary tour scheduled for autumn that year .
The tour was to feature the original lineup—until the tragic disruption that followed.
Tragic Farewell: Paul’s Sudden Passing
Paul was found unresponsive at his home in Dorset on April 6, 2023, and was later pronounced dead at age 46 . Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances, and the Dorset coroner ruled his death as “natural causes,” ruling out an inquest .
The cause of death was detailed: cardiac arrhythmia, acute myocardial ischemia, coronary artery disease inflammation, and intraplaque hemorrhage .
In the wake of his passing, S Club—now down to five members—renamed their upcoming tour the Good Times Tour, in tribute to Paul and his perfomance on the hit song “Good Times” . In July 2023, they released “These Are the Days”, their first new single in over two decades, honoring his memory .
Legacy, Resilience, and Reflection
Paul Cattermole’s story is one of early pop stardom and later reinvention—then an abrupt, heartbreaking end that left fans and bandmates reeling. His versatility, from teen TV star to heavy‑metal dreamer, and his willingness to face hardships publicly, made him compelling.
He embodied the unpredictable spirit of pop—spiking chart success with flashes of rebellion and personal struggle. His legacy continues through the music that remains in fans’ hearts and the continuing journey of his bandmates, honoring him by carrying on.
FAQs
Who was Paul Cattermole?
Paul Cattermole was an English singer and actor, best known as a founding member of the pop group S Club 7. He rose to fame from 1998 to 2002, rejoined for reunions in 2015 and 2023, and remained active in music until his death in 2023 .
What caused his death?
A coroner ruled his passing was due to natural causes. The medical findings specified heart-related issues including arrhythmia and coronary artery problems .
What impact did Paul have on S Club 7?
He brought a distinct edge to the group’s polish, often calling himself the “wild card.” He featured in key hits, TV shows, and live tours, leaving a unique mark on the group’s identity and style .
What became of the reunion tour after his death?
After his death, the band honored him by continuing the 2023 reunion tour—now renamed the Good Times Tour. They also released a tribute single, These Are the Days, marking their first new music in over 20 years .
Did Paul Cattermole have other creative projects?
Yes, after leaving S Club 7, he performed in The Rocky Horror Show, worked on community radio, appeared on First Dates Hotel, and auctioned awards for financial reasons—showing a life marked by both creative ambition and practical challenges .
Paul Cattermole’s journey—from shy London lad to global pop sensation and later a figure navigating highs and lows—speaks to resilience and the human cost of fame. His music endures, his memory persists, and above all, his legacy remains a blend of joy, vulnerability, and the wild spark that once made him S Club 7’s unforgettable heartbeat.
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