History
Paul Cattermole
Paul Gerald Cattermole (7 March 1977 – 6 April 2023) was an English musician, best known as a member of the successful pop group S Club 7.
Early Life and Aspirations
Cattermole initially harbored ambitions of becoming a professional rugby player but ultimately felt he lacked the necessary skill. His early involvement in the arts included membership in the National Youth Music Theatre, where he appeared in "Pendragon" (1994) alongside future S Club 7 bandmate Hannah Spearritt. During his college years, he performed a duet with Emma Bunton, who would later achieve fame with the Spice Girls. A former tutor recalled Cattermole as a quiet student who initially didn't display overt star quality, but noted a significant shift after his duet with Bunton, anticipating he would achieve great success.
Pre-Fame Career and Education
Before finding fame with S Club 7, Cattermole held a variety of jobs, including paperboy, postman, butcher, theatre doorman, dustman, and toilet cleaner. He pursued formal training in theatre and acting at the prestigious Mountview Drama School. While at Mountview, he formed a nu-metal band named Skua with friends. His talent was recognized by Simon Fuller's 19 Management after an appearance in a show at the drama school, leading to an audition for S Club 7.
S Club 7 Success
As part of S Club 7, Cattermole experienced significant commercial success. The group achieved four UK number-one hit singles, one UK number-one album, and a US top-ten hit. He co-starred in the group's television series, including "Miami 7" (1999), "LA 7" (2000), "Hollywood 7" (2001), and the initial episodes of "Viva S Club" (2002). S Club 7 undertook two UK tours, won two BRIT Awards, and received numerous other accolades.
Personal Life and Departure from S Club 7
In March 2001, Cattermole was arrested and cautioned for cannabis possession in Covent Garden, London, along with fellow S Club 7 members Jon Lee and Bradley McIntosh. In October 2001, Hannah Spearritt publicly revealed their six-month secret relationship. Cattermole was the first member to leave S Club 7 in June 2002, citing a dislike for pop music and the highly commercialized music industry.
Post-S Club 7 Career
Following his departure from S Club 7, Cattermole briefly rejoined his former nu-metal band Skua, though the group disbanded before releasing any material. He then became the lead singer and songwriter for the rock band Charlie Bullitt in early 2005. The band performed in various clubs and pubs throughout 2005 but failed to gain significant traction, leading to Cattermole's departure in October 2005. In a 2006 interview, Cattermole expressed his dissatisfaction with being in a "manufactured band" and indicated a reluctance for a reunion. He also mentioned that his younger cousin, Lee Cattermole, was a professional footballer for Middlesbrough F.C. His relationship with Hannah Spearritt ended in early 2006.
Later Musical Endeavors
In October 2007, an official MySpace page for Paul Cattermole emerged, featuring four new songs co-written with Lee Turner. On 1 December 2007, Cattermole and former S Club 7 bandmate Bradley McIntosh performed a DJ set at the University of Winchester Christmas Ball. The pair followed this with another DJ set on 10 December 2007 at The Old Firestation in Bournemouth.