Following the tragic death of S Club 7’s Paul Cattermole last week, sources close to the band have given an update on the S Club 7 reunion tour that was announced back in February.
Cattermole was found at his home in Dorset, in the south west of England on Thursday. The musician was declared dead later that day per the ABC.
“While the cause of death is currently unknown, Dorset Police has confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances,” the band and his family said.
A source has told The Sun that the remaining six members of the group — Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee, Rachel Stevens and Tina Barrett — “plan to honour” their 11-date arena reunion tour set for the UK and Ireland in October this year.
“The members are still reeling from the shock of Paul’s tragic death, but they all feel that continuing with the tour is what Paul would have wanted,” the source told the publication.
“He was so excited about getting on stage again and feeling really positive about the reunion so it feels like the right thing to do.”
Currently, fans are still able to purchase tickets to the shows and no announcement has been made about the tour.
The Sun reports that the band’s manager Simon Fuller will be discussing the finer details with the group before an official statement comes out.
“Simon and his team will hold meetings over the next few weeks to discuss the different options, but will make sure that everyone feels happy and comfortable… there won’t be any public, official announcement immediately as details are finalised.”
Previously, the group announced Paul Cattermole’s death via social media, posting a black and white headshot along with a sentimental farewell to their friend.
He will be so deeply missed by each and every one of us. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and of the band at this time. (2/2)
— S Club (@SClub7) April 7, 2023
After the news of Cattermole’s death broke, tributes flowed across social media.
Paul Cattermole with his acoustic rendition of Reach on S Club 7’s last tour in 2015
RIP Paulpic.twitter.com/quO64JuujR
— johnnymac (@mr_johnny_mac) April 7, 2023
Playful, joyful, and completely brilliant. This is how we’ll remember Paul Cattermole. Thank you for making our childhoods a brighter place, you S Club Legend. I so wish I could have thanked you in person this October. 😭 May you rest in peace, you icon. 💜 pic.twitter.com/z06V9RVCkD
— Benjamin Rauhala (@brauhala) April 7, 2023
Rest in Peace Paul Cattermole.
Sending our love and thoughts to Paul, his family, friends, brothers & sisters in S Club 7 and his fans.#PaulCattermole @Paulcattermole1 @SClub7 #SClub7 #allontheboard pic.twitter.com/h8WSt3swko
— All On The Board (@allontheboard) April 7, 2023
In 2002, the group performed at a Buckingham Palace concert to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II‘s Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years on the throne. Later that same year, Cattermole decided to quit the band.
In the years following his departure, Paul Cattermole appeared in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and formed a rock band called Skua per Variety.
The pop group was set to begin its highly anticipated UK and Ireland tour in October.
When it was first announced, the band seemed ecstatic to be working together again.
“After eight years it feels amazing to announce that we’re reuniting and performing together again,” they said.
“We can’t even believe it’s been so long! Music and friendship have always been at the core of everything that we’ve ever done.
“We hope everyone can join us for one big party!!”
Our hearts go out to Paul Cattermole’s friends and family during this tough time.
