S Club 7 member Paul Cattermole passed away at the age of 46 on April 7, 2023, just weeks after the band announced a reunion tour. In a statement at the time, Cattermole's family confirmed to the BBC that he was found at his home in Dorset on April 6 and "pronounced dead later that afternoon". A day earlier, the singer was seen walking in the countryside near his home, dancing happily in the woods. On May 18, the Dorset Coroner confirmed that Cattermole died of natural causes and that there would be no inquest into the singer's death.
Cattermole's death was announced just days after his S Club 7 bandmates Rachel Stevens, Jon Lee, Tina Barrett, Jo O'Meara and Bradley McIntosh confirmed on Instagram that their planned 2023 tour will be without Hannah Spearritt case to continue. The band changed its name to S Club.
Former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller formed S Club 7 in 1998, along with fellow members Barrett, Lee, McIntosh, O'Meara Meara, Spearritt and Stevens joined Cattermole. The band released four albums in the late '90s and early 2000s, including iconic hits like "S Club Party," before Cattermole became the first to leave the band in 2002. After announcing Cattermole's death, the band released an official statement paying tribute to their bandmate on April 7.
"We are extremely saddened by the passing of our brother Paul," the band said in a statement posted on their official Twitter account. "Words cannot describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel. We are blessed We ask that you please respect the privacy of his family and the band at this time."
After news of Cattermole's death was announced, fans took to Twitter to mourn, noting his contribution to the band and the impact it had on their childhoods.
Many fans also commemorated Cattermole by sharing their favorite S Club 7 songs as well as standout moments from Cattermole's career with the band, including the band's TV show Miami 7.
As previously mentioned, S Club 7 announced in February 2023 that all seven members would reunite for the first time in over eight years for a 25th anniversary tour of the UK and Ireland, a tour that Cattermole seemed delighted to be taking part in . Dance moves," he said at the time. "There's definitely something I can't do...remember that caterpillar? ! The trek is set to begin in October, but it's unclear whether the remaining band members will continue to perform.
