S Club 7

S Club 7

Background information
Also known as
  • S Club
  • S Club 3
  • S Club 4
  • S Club Party
Origin London, England, UK
Genres
Years active
  • 1998–2003
  • 2014–present
Labels
Associated acts
Members

S Club 7 are an English pop group created by former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller consisting of members Tina Barrett, Paul Cattermole, Rachel Stevens, Jo O'Meara, Hannah Spearritt, Bradley McIntosh, and Jon Lee. The group was formed in 1998 and quickly rose to fame by starring in their own BBC television series, Miami 7. In their five years together, S Club 7 had four UK number-one singles, one UK number-one album, and a string of hits throughout Europe, including a top-ten single in the United States, Asia, Latin America and Africa. They recorded four studio albums, released 11 singles and went on to sell over 10 million albums worldwide.[1] Their first album, S Club (1999), had a strong 1990s pop sound, similar to many artists of their time. However, through the course of their career, their musical approach changed to a more dance and R&B sound which is heard mostly in their final album, Seeing Double (2002).

The concept and brand of the group was created by Simon Fuller, also their manager through 19 Entertainment; they were signed to Polydor Records. Their show lasted four series and saw the group travel across the United States, eventually ending up in Barcelona. It became popular in 100 different countries where the show was watched by over 90 million viewers.[2] The show, which was a children's sitcom, often mirrored real-life events which had occurred in S Club, including the relationship of Spearritt and Cattermole, as well as Cattermole's eventual departure from the group. As well as the popularity of their television series, S Club 7 won two BRIT Awards—in 2000 for British breakthrough act and in 2002, for best British single. In 2001, the group earned the Record of the Year award. Their song "Reach" was used in the arcade dance game EZ2Dancer in "EZ 2 Dancer UK Move". Cattermole departed the group in 2002, citing "creative differences", and the group changed their name from S Club 7 to simply S Club. Their penultimate single reached number five in the UK charts, and their final album failed to make the top ten. Following Cattermole's departure, the group fought many rumours presuming that they were about to split.[3][4] However, on 21 April 2003, during a live onstage performance, S Club announced that they were to disband.[5]

After a five-year split, it was announced in October 2008 that O'Meara, Cattermole, and McIntosh were to perform a mini-reunion tour. The tour consisted of a series of university and nightclub gigs, where they performed a set list consisting of a selection of songs from their greatest hits album.[6][7] After O'Meara, Cattermole and McIntosh reunited, rumours persisted that all the original members would reunite. In October 2014, it was confirmed that the original lineup would reunite for the first time in over a decade for BBC Children in Need,[8] later announcing a UK reunion tour for 2015.

History

1997–98: Formation

Simon Fuller has commented that he came upon the concept of S Club 7 the day after he was fired by the Spice Girls in 1997.[9] He selected the members for the group after auditioning from over 10,000 hopefuls;[10] Stevens was the only member of the group who did not audition to gain admittance into the group.[11] Instead, two producers from 19 Management approached her and asked her to go into the studio to record a demo tape for Fuller.[11] Both O'Meara and Cattermole were spotted by producers from 19 and asked to audition.[11] After the auditions had been advertised in The Stage,[11] Lee, Spearritt, Barrett and McIntosh auditioned.[11] After some final adjustments, including the removal of three original members, S Club 7 was formed.

Once the final line-up was decided, they flew to Italy to become acquainted with each other.[12] Speaking about this first meeting, Stevens remarked that the group "felt comfortable with each other from the beginning".[12] Several members of the group have since stated that the 'S' in S Club 7 stands for Simon, after the group's creator, although the official line has always been ambiguous.[10] The group's entry on the Popjustice website states that at one point they were nearly called "Sugar Club" instead of the name that stuck.[13] Another theory is that the group is so-named because "S" is the first letter of the word "seven". McIntosh, in a December 2012 interview, said a lot of Simon Fuller's success has been based on the number 19 (owning 19 Entertainment); therefore, as "S" is the 19th letter of the alphabet, the "S" was put into S Club 7.[14]

1999–2000: S Club television series

Main articles: S Club (album) and Miami 7

S Club 7 first came to public attention in 1999, when they starred in their own television series, Miami 7.[15] The show first aired on CBBC on BBC One and was a children's sitcom based on the lives of the group who had moved to Miami, Florida in search of fame in America. The show was also launched in the United States,[16] airing on Fox Family, and later on ABC Family; it was retitled S Club 7 in Miami for American audiences. The show eventually celebrated worldwide success and was watched by 90 million viewers in over 100 different countries.[2] The group also filmed two specials between the first two series of their show. The first, Back to the '50s—which aired on CITV, instead of CBBC—told the story of how the group found themselves back in 1959.[17] In the second TV special, Boyfriends & Birthdays, Stevens' boyfriend gave her an ultimatum of staying with him or remaining with S Club.[18]

Within the television series, and the parallel branding, each member of S Club 7 had their own character, which contained exaggerated forms of their real life counterparts as well as their own identifiable "S Club colour". Hannah Spearritt, for example, had an "S Club colour" of yellow which, as Spearritt describes, mirrors her own personality: "bright and happy".[19] Similar characterisation, and format for their show, was more notably seen in the American series The Monkees and US media reported that S Club 7 were "The Monkees for the next generation".[16] However, Joel Andryc—the vice president of the Fox Family Channel—stated that Miami 7 is "far more relationship driven" than The Monkees, and that "kids today are more sophisticated".[16]
"Bring It All Back" (1999)
S Club 7's debut single and theme music to Miami 7.
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Following on from Miami 7, S Club 7 released the theme music to the show as their debut single on 9 June 1999. The up-tempo "Bring It All Back" reached number-one in the United Kingdom singles charts, and after selling more than 600,000 copies, was made BPI certified Platinum.[20][21] Commenting on the chart position of "Bring It All Back", the group felt "nervous and on-edge" before they discovered they had reached number one. Once they had received the phone call from the record company, the group celebrated the news with "cheers, shouting and crying".[12] The group's success escalated and much like Fuller's marketing campaign for the Spice Girls, they were set to become a "marketable commodity".[15] As evidence for this, global toy manufacturer Hasbro agreed upon an exclusive licensing agreement with 19 Management which included worldwide rights in the fashion doll category; singing S Club 7 dolls were later released onto the market.[22] An official magazine, fan club, and accompanying Miami 7 scrapbook were also launched furthering 19 Management's corporate aim.[19]

Over the course of the year, the group enjoyed more success in the charts after their second single, "S Club Party", entered the UK charts at number-two and went straight to number-one in New Zealand.[20][23] Their third single was a double A-side and featured the ballad, co-written by Cathy Dennis, "Two in a Million" and retro-styled, up-tempo "You're My Number One". The former was the first single where O'Meara took leads vocals, setting the standard for future S Club 7 releases; the single also reached number-two in the UK charts.[20] Following the success of their television show and released singles, the group released their debut album S Club in October 1999. The album quickly rose to number-two in the UK charts,[20] and then became certified Double Platinum.[24] The album consisted of a variety of styles including motown and salsa tracks.

Due to the increasing demand for the group with gruelling schedules including spending over thirteen weeks in America filming the first series of their show and their subsequent television specials, the members often felt that the travelling back and forth from the UK and the US was "perhaps more tiring than what we were actually going out to America to do".[12] Paul Cattermole once commented that the speed of the schedule sometimes caused a "kind of dreamscape in your head", as the group often felt "jetlagged and tired". On top of the filming schedules, the group often performed at high profile pop music festivals such as Party in the Park where they performed for 100,000 fans.[12] The intensity of the schedule would be a constant battle for the group and was going to continue to take its toll for all the years S Club 7 were together. In spite of this, the group always remained in solidarity that they were all good friends, "cared for each other a lot" and supported each other through difficult times in the group.[12]

2000–01: 7

Main articles: 7 (S Club 7 album) and L.A. 7
"Reach" (2000)
S Club 7's first single from 7 and theme tune to L.A. 7.
"Never Had a Dream Come True" (2000)
S Club 7's 2000 Children in Need song and second UK number one.
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In February 2000, the group won the 'British Breakthrough Act' award at the 2000 BRIT Awards.[25] In April 2000, S Club's second TV series, L.A. 7 (renamed S Club 7 in L.A. in the US), was released. The series saw the group depart from Miami and move to Los Angeles to seek a record deal. It introduced the song "Reach", another retro-styled uptempo track, which was co-written by Cathy Dennis and aired as the main theme tune to the second series. "Reach" was released as a single in May 2000 and reached number-two in the UK charts.[20] It arguably became one of the group's most successful singles, paving the way for the group's second album, 7 which was released on 12 June 2000. This album was a departure from the overtly pop stylings of S Club, with tracks styled more towards R&B than the traditional nineties pop sound of their debut album. It reached number-one in the UK charts[2][20] becoming certified Triple Platinum,[26] and a certified Gold record in the US.[27] The second single from the album, '"Natural", featured Stevens as lead vocalist. It reached number three in September 2000.[20]

S Club 7 took an active part in promoting several charities during their time as a band. As well as performing for Children in Need, the band launched, on 25 September 2000,[28] a new television series called S Club 7 Go Wild!, which saw each band member support an endangered species. Teaming up with the World Wildlife Fund, each member travelled to different destinations worldwide with a hope to raise awareness about the seven endangered creatures, including the Siberian tiger[29] and the hyacinth macaw.[30] In October 2000, they launched the annual Poppy Appeal Campaign with Dame Thora Hird[31] and supported Woolworth's Kids First Campaign throughout 1999 and 2000.[32] The group also recorded vocals for "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll", which raised money for Children's Promise, an alliance of seven children's charities: Barnardo's, Children in Need, ChildLine, The Children's Society, Comic Relief, NCH and the NSPCC.[33] A cover of The Rolling Stones song, the group contributed to the vocals alongside many popular artists, including Mary J. Blige, Natalie Imbruglia and the Spice Girls;[33] it entered the UK charts at number-nineteen.[34] Also, during that time they filmed two speciales: "Artistic Differences" and their "Christmas Special".

In November 2000, S Club 7 were invited to provide the official song for the UK's BBC Children in Need Campaign 2000, so a new song, the ballad "Never Had a Dream Come True", was recorded. The song became popular in the US market eventually taking the group to appear on MTV's TRL to perform the song and chosen to appear at the "Now That's What I Call Music" US Edition. After topping the UK charts in December 2000,[20] the song was added to a re-release of the 7 album, along with another new track, a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Lately".

2001–02: Sunshine and Cattermole's departure
"Don't Stop Movin'" (2001)
"Don't Stop Movin'" went straight to number one and was Q's No. 3 Guilty Pleasure in 2006.[35]
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"Never Had a Dream Come True" had marked a more mature direction for the group whilst still retaining their pop sensibilities, a direction which continued into their third studio album, Sunshine. The album contained what was to become one of S Club's most popular tracks, "Don't Stop Movin'". The song was released in April 2001, marked a high point for the group as the single went straight to number-one,[20] went Platinum[36] and became the seventh best selling single of 2001.[37] McIntosh, who takes lead vocals with O'Meara in the track, said he was "nervous" about taking lead vocals and was worried how people would react. However, after the song went in at number-one, he felt as though he was "supported by the fans" and his fears were alleviated.[38] McIntosh also remarked that the single had broken new ground for the group, and Cattermole thought it to be their "best song by miles".[11] The group won the Record of the Year award for the song,[39] and in February 2002, the single won the group their second BRIT Award for best British single.[40] The song has since been covered by The Beautiful South for their 2004 album Golddiggas, Headnodders and Pholk Songs, as well as by Starsailor who recorded it for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.

By spring 2001, the group were "desperate" to start touring; it was something which they had always wanted to do, but couldn't because things were "always so hectic".[11] After spending most of early 2001 rehearsing, the S Club Party 2001 tour began on 19 May 2001. Describing the tour, Stevens remarked that seeing a crowd of over 13,000 fans each night coming to see them was "such an unbelievable feeling", and the other members of the group shared an "adrenaline rush" as well as a wave of emotion before going on stage.[11] Once the tour was over, the group had to fly back to the United States in order to film the third series of their television show, Hollywood 7. This third series, which was still set in Los Angeles, was the group's favourite to film because they had more acting experience and could "drop their shoulders" and start to enjoy themselves.[11] The group, however, had to continuously cope with intense schedules and early starts whilst recording for the programme, something which, although the group felt "laid back" about it at the time,[11] was to eventually take its toll and lead to the demise of the band.[41] Hollywood 7 began airing in September 2001 and dealt with the issue of an on-screen kiss between Spearritt and Cattermole, who had begun dating in real life.[42] Their relationship, which was kept secret for six months, was well received by the band who claimed it had made them all closer as friends.[42] Hollywood 7 aired alongside a new CBBC reality show, S Club Search, which invited children to extend the S Club brand and audition to form a younger version of the band. The new group were to be chosen to sing with S Club 7 on Children in Need 2001 and go on tour with them on their future S Club 7 Carnival 2002 tour.[43] The eight children who went on to form the band named themselves S Club Juniors and had six top ten UK hits.[44]

The effects of the group's charity single, "Never Had a Dream Come True", were felt when the group handed over £200,000 to Children in Need, from the sales of the CD after the release of "Don't Stop Movin'" in April 2001.[38] As a result, S Club 7 were invited back and asked to record a second consecutive Children in Need single, in November 2001. It was decided that "Have You Ever", a song co-written by Chris Braide and Cathy Dennis, was to be released for the charity campaign. After the success of the previous year's single, the performance on the night featured many primary school children who had pre-recorded their own versions of the chorus, including the S Club Juniors who they made their first television appearance.[45] The band felt "overjoyed" that they could, once again, contribute to the Children in Need campaign, feeling that it meant a lot to them to be involved and feeling privileged to be able to help; they also commented that it was nice for British school children to be involved in raising money for charity.[11] The single was another success for the group and became their fourth number-one,[20] as well as the 21st biggest selling single of 2001.[37]

In January 2002, S Club 7 embarked upon their second arena tour, S Club 7 Carnival 2002, which aimed to please fans by stylising their songs to fit with a carnival-like theme with music styles from different countries of the world.[46] Speaking about the tour, McIntosh described it as "older show", a change from S Club Party 2001, which was "more like bubblegum",[47] with Paul Cattermole comparing 2001's "theatrical" tour with the Carnival tour as a more "glitzy, concert stage".[48] The tour was generally well received by the children's media, describing the show as "diverse" and "dazzling",[46] whereas the group was criticised by the broadsheets as being "like a compilation of toddler-friendly Eurovision entries" although conceding that it was a "slick, decent-value show".[49] Cattermole was also criticised when he was dubbed overweight and a "heavy-footed dancer".[50] After the success of their last three singles, all of which had made it to number-one, S Club 7 failed to top the charts when they released their ninth single, "You"; it reached number-two in the UK.[20] The single, which was described as a "candyfloss-bright, tongue-in-cheek 50s pastiche",[51] was to be Paul Cattermole's last single with the band and led the way for a series of events that was to unravel S Club 7's time at the top of the charts, which would ultimately cause the band to split.

In March 2002, Paul Cattermole told The Sun newspaper that it was time for him to "move on" from the group and he wanted to go back to his "rock roots",[52] which heralded back to the time he was part of a nu metal band formed at school in 1992. Talking about his former musical venture three months before he left S Club 7, Cattermole described the band — called Skua— as having a "Limp Bizkit vibe" as well as comparing their style to Rage Against the Machine.[48] Cattermole's resignation came as Skua had decided to reform, and he found it a perfect time to make the transition back from pop to rock as S Club 7's record contracts were up for renewal. Skua released their first album in October 2014 titled Kneel[53] Cattermole stayed with the band until June 2002, featuring in four out of thirteen episodes of the group's final television series, Viva S Club, and performing his final concert with the group for Party at the Palace, which was part of Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee celebrations.[54]

2002–03: Seeing Double, Greatest Hits and break-up

After Cattermole's departure, vowing to not disband, the remaining six members stayed together under the name S Club. Despite losing a member of the group, the future remained positive as, although they were very sad to see Cattermole leave the group, they were "delighted" to have extended their contracts meaning they could look forward to new material, a new series of their television show as well as their first feature film.[55] However, media reports of the time weren't so optimistic stating that, as neither the Spice Girls nor Take That had survived once they lost a member of their group, it would be difficult for S Club to remain together in an industry which has a "horrible habit of leaving bands in tatters once the first member has left".[50] After only peaking at number-five in the UK charts with Alive, their first single as a six,[20] was S Club's positivism diminished. Although their progressive musical style was once again furthered with the release of their fourth studio album, Seeing Double, it failed to make an impact on the UK charts, stalling at number-seventeen.[20] S Club's time at the top of the charts was slowly coming to an end, and when O'Meara announced that she had an immobilising back condition which could have left her in a wheelchair,[5][56] and she was unable to take part in television performances, the group was left devastated.
"Alive" (2002)
S Club's first single as S Club and theme tune to Viva S Club.
"Say Goodbye" (2003)
The group's final single.
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In April 2003, S Club released their first feature film, Seeing Double, directed by music-video director Nigel Dick, which was to be the last time the group would be seen on-screen together. Unlike its television predecessors, the film moved into the realm of children's fantasy, and saw the group fighting evil scientist Victor Gaghan in his quest to clone the world's pop stars. The film's release was marked by many rumours that the group were about to split, which were quickly denied by the six.[4] However, ten days after the release of their movie, the rumours were confirmed when it was announced live on stage—during their S Club United tour on 21 April 2003 – that, after a final single and greatest hits album, S Club would part ways.[5] The band cited a mutual split, expressing it was simply a time "to move on and face new challenges".[5] Many fans felt "betrayed" and "disappointed" by the breakup, as well as "angry" due to the group denying rumours only two weeks before at the Seeing Double premiere.[57] Many compared the demise of the group to that of fellow pop band Steps, as they too had denied their intentions until the moment before their split, after which they were accused of acting out of "greed and cynicism".[57] Since the split, the members of S Club have commented on how exhausting being in the band was, due to hectic schedules and long filming days.[41]

In 2003 S Club confirming the split "wasn't a final straw", Spearritt has remarked that the group had felt it appropriate wanting to do their own thing; she had constantly felt "drained" whilst with S Club.[41] The final single was a double A-side, coupling "Love Ain't Gonna Wait for You", from their fourth album Seeing Double, with a new ballad, "Say Goodbye". Returning to the style of their first single, "Say Goodbye" saw vocals shared around the group. The single reached number-two in the UK, beaten to the top spot by R. Kelly's "Ignition (Remix)",[20] and was included on S Club's greatest hits album, Best: The Greatest Hits of S Club 7, released in June 2003. This compilation brought together the group's releases with a previously unreleased track, "Everybody Get Pumped" and 7 track "Bring the House Down". The album reached number-two in the United Kingdom.[20] S Club eventually disbanded after the release of "Say Goodbye" on 26 May 2003.

On 27 April 2003, it was reported that Spearritt's parents had hired lawyers to chase payments owed to them by Simon Fuller and his management company.[58] They claimed that out of the €75 million fortune the band made for Fuller, they only received €150,000 a year of it.[58] There was also controversy when the band had to travel economy class to America and when Fuller did not turn up for the premiere of Seeing Double.[58] The criticism put to Fuller was similar of that in 1997 when the Spice Girls fired him for being too controlling.[59] After the group split up, the S Club Juniors rebranded to "S Club 8", and went on to film CBBC show I Dream, releasing their third studio album under the same name.[60] The group disbanded in 2005.[61]

2008–14: S Club 3, S Club 4 and S Club Party

From October 2008, O'Meara, McIntosh, and Cattermole reunited and started performing in pubs and clubs across Britain.[62] This was shortly after O'Meara's son Lenny was born. On 12 November 2008, a bottle was thrown at O'Meara during an S Club 3 performance in Bradford; it left her with a severe cut to the head, requiring treatment at a nearby Hospital. A 20-year-old man was arrested, and the attack was thought to have something to do with her performance on Celebrity Big Brother, where nearly 50,000 complaints were received about her and two other female contestants' apparent racist bullying toward Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.[63] In late 2008, some sources stated that Barrett and Lee were to start touring with the group sometime in the following year. It was also stated that a new greatest hits album, Ain't No Party: The Ultimate Collection of S Club 7 was set for release later the following year.[64] Both of these rumours turned out to be false. Lee was pursuing his acting career along with Spearritt, Barrett was on hiatus, and Stevens was starring in Strictly Come Dancing. Cattermole was absent from a gig at the Plug Club in Sheffield in February 2009. On 12 November, S Club 3 turned on the Mansfield Christmas Lights.[65] In early 2010, the group decided to take their gigs further. They booked some venues in Egypt for April. On 19 April 2010, S Club 3 were the headlining act at the Tottenham Carnival.[66] The group made an appearance at Gay Prides in Doncaster and Yorkshire on 21 August.[67]

In January 2011, O'Meara and McIntosh made several performances in Dublin without Cattermole.[68] On 2 February 2011, O'Meara, McIntosh and Cattermole played at Keele University,[69] followed by a guest appearance at Aberystwyth University on 20 February 2011. On 18 March 2011 they played to a sellout crowd at the University of Hull, a move which saw local media refer to the show as "the comeback of the century". The group subsequently performed at Butlin's in Bognor Regis and various university Freshers' Week events, with a scheduled tour of Australia in May 2012.[70] In March 2011, O'Meara stated on Facebook that all seven members would be reunited for the first time since 2002. On 29 March 2011, the group all went to see Lee perform as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys on stage. They posed for photos afterwards.[71][72] On 29 November 2011 it was revealed by several publications, that S Club had hopes to reunite in 2012 for a possible tour, following on the success from Steps.[73][74] However, Barrett confirmed through her Twitter page that the rumours of a reunion were completely fabricated. However, on 12 December 2011, she announced on Twitter in response to a fan: "right now i'll just say anythings possible so we'll see!! x" In an interview on ITV's This Morning Spearritt stated that her and her former bandmates are just "too busy" for a reunion.[75]

In March 2012, it was speculated that all seven members would reform for seven one-off gigs and appearances, with possibility of a two-album record deal.[76] On 30 April, Barrett spoke out about the speculations on Radio 5. She revealed that the group had been "talking about it" and stated that a reunion is likely to happen if they come up with a "good plan".[77] She was also pursuing her solo career at that time, she was the only group member who didn't during the break-up. In spring 2012 the group, now renamed 'S Club Party' set out on a tour of Australia with other noughties' hit group, Big Brovaz. On 30 May 2012, S Club featured on Australia's Channel 7 The Morning Show, announcing they are in the country for a national tour from 23 May to 2 June 2012.[78] Subsequent to this appearance, a video of the performance was uploaded to YouTube, where the reaction was largely negative with many viewers expressing the opinion that the performance was uncomfortable to watch, with the absence of the four other members of the original band causing some disillusionment among childhood fans of the group.[79]

On 12 June 2012, Spearritt denied the reunion plans and stated that she will not return to S Club or continue her music career and will keep on pursuing her acting career. She stated "It's cool that bands like Steps are getting back together, because it's worked out for lots of people. But I don't see it in my plans at all. In the future, I hope I'll still be working and being able to do what I love. I feel very lucky at the minute, and doing theatre has really opened more doors for me. So as long as I can keep doing what I love, I'm very lucky."[80] On 24 March 2013, Stevens said to the Daily Mirror that a reunion could still happen: "We met up not long ago and we talked about it and we still are talking about it. We are all in the same head space, talking about how special it was and we do all want to celebrate what we had. So it's definitely a possibility."[81]

In 2014, Cattermole later re-ignited reunion rumours following a tweet to his former group mates.[82] Barrett performed with O'Meara, McIntosh and Cattermole at Birmingham Pride 2014 and other gigs after that; meaning that the group was known as 'S Club 4'.[83] After this, Jo, Bradley and Tina have performed at a number of events as 'S Club Party'.

2014–present: Original line-up reunion and Bring It All Back 2015

In August 2014, it was reported that the band would be reforming under the backing of Simon Fuller.[84] Cattermole denied these reports the next day, but said a reunion was "God damn close to happening".[85] On 22 October, it was confirmed that all seven members of S Club 7 would reunite for the BBC Children in Need telethon; the reunion aired on 14 November 2014, with S Club 7 performing a medley of four of their greatest hits: "S Club Party", "Reach", "Bring It All Back" and "Don't Stop Movin'".[86][87][88] Popjustice announced that the band plan on having a press conference on Monday, 17 November 2014, where they are to unveil their "huge plans" for 2015.[89] On 17 November 2014, S Club 7 announced their plans for an arena reunion tour, promptly titled Bring It All Back 2015, which toured the UK in May 2015.[90]

In March 2015, during an interview with Graham Norton on BBC Radio 2, the group confirmed plans to re-release their 2003 greatest hits, Best: The Greatest Hits of S Club 7 that forthcoming May, and that it may contain the previously unreleased track "Rain".[91] On 28 April 2015, it was confirmed that the re-issue of the Best album would release on 4 May, and would include "Rain", as well as "Friday Night" from the S Club album.[92]

Controversy

On 20 March 2001, Cattermole, Lee and McIntosh were caught with cannabis in London's Covent Garden; they were cautioned by police at Charing Cross Police Station and released without charge.[93] After the event, their publicity firm Henry's House released a public apology stating they were "very stupid" and "very sorry", admitting to having made a "stupid mistake".[94] At the time, BT and Cadbury, who had sponsorship deals with S Club 7, said they were "very disappointed" to learn of the caution but said they would keep their contracts with the band.[94] However, cereal firm Quaker Oats ended talks with 19 Entertainment after learning of the police caution.[95] It was rumoured that merchandising company PMS International were to take out an £800,000 lawsuit against the band for declining sales as a direct result of the drugs scandal.[96] However, this came to nothing and any doubts over the future of sponsorship ended when Pepsi signed the band up less than a month after the drugs caution.[97]

Musical style

The style of music S Club 7 normally falls under is pop, or more specifically bubblegum pop, as well as manufactured pop. This is certainly the case for their first album, S Club where simple lyrics, three-chord structures and danceable beats define it so. Their first two singles saw vocals shared equally amongst the seven members of the group, and it was not until their third single, "Two in a Million" that O'Meara became known as their lead vocalist. Although the band were to progressively change their style over the four years they were together, even their first album had many tracks atypical of the pop genre: "You're My Number One" ,"Love Train" and "Everybody Wants Ya" were motown driven[98] whereas "Viva La Fiesta" and "It's A Feel Good Thing", were both "bouncy, salsa-driven Latino songs".[98]

Over the years, their style and direction changed progressively with each new album. Their second album 7, had songs which had styles far removed from the traditional pop songs rival pop bands of the nineties were releasing. With the release of "Natural" in 2000, S Club 7 showcased a new, R&B-lite sound.[99] The release of their third album, Sunshine, gave audiences their biggest change: the album contained tracks such as the disco-influenced, "Don't Stop Movin'" and the R&B ballad, "Show Me Your Colours". The album marked a more mature approach for the band.[100]

With the departure of Cattermole, S Club released their fourth and final album, Seeing Double which contained many songs with styles not yet explored by the group. The group released "Alive" which was a "power-packed dance floor filler",[51] a style which matched that of their final single "Love Ain't Gonna Wait for You". The album also contained many other dance tracks and songs far removed from their original bubblegum pop stylings, such as the "sex for the CBBC generation" in "Hey Kitty Kitty".[101] Although, in one review, referring to "Gangsta Love", "S Club's spiritual home is the suburban disco, not urban underground clubs, and their attempt to go garage on "Gangsta Love" ends up amusing rather than authentic".[102] Throughout their releases, S Club 7 always kept their original pop roots, with songs such as "Reach",[99] "You"[100] and "Say Goodbye"

Members

Member 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Bradley McIntosh
Jo O'Meara
Paul Cattermole
Tina Barrett
Jon Lee
Hannah Spearritt
Rachel Stevens

Discography

Main article: S Club 7 discography

Filmography

Film and television
Year Title Role Notes
1999 Miami 7 Themselves
1999 Back to the '50s Special show
1999 Boyfriends & Birthdays Special show
1999 The Greatest Store in the World Television film
2000 L.A.7
2000 S Club 7 Go Wild! Television documentary
2000 Artistic Differences Special show
2000 Christmas Special Special show
2001 Hollywood 7
2001 S Club Search Themselves / Judges / Mentors Reality television show
2002 Viva S Club Themselves
2002 Don't Stop Movin' Television documentary
2003 Seeing Double Their only feature film

Tours

Headlining
  • 2001–02: S Club Party Tour
  • 2002–03: Carnival Tour
  • 2008–14: S Club 3/S Club 4 Tours
  • 2015: Bring It All Back 2015
Co-headlining

References

  1. ↑ "She's movin' on up". The Times (Times Newspapers Ltd). 13 February 2005. Retrieved 21 October 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 "S Club reach for the top". BBC News (BBC). 18 June 2000. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  3. ↑ "S Club split rumours are rubbish says Paul". Newsround (BBC). 21 November 2002. Retrieved 13 October 2007.
  4. 1 2 "S Club deny split rumours". BBC News (BBC). 13 March 2003. Retrieved 13 October 2007.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "S Club to split up". BBC News (BBC). 21 April 2003. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
  6. ↑ "S Club 7 reform with three members". Digital Spy. 5 November 2008. Retrieved 5 November 2008.
  7. ↑ "S Club 3: Powerhouse, Newcastle - 6 December 2008". YouTube. 6 December 2008. Retrieved 12 October 2008.
  8. ↑ "S Club 7 to make a comeback for Children in Need". Daily Mail (DMG Media). 22 October 2014. Retrieved 22 October 2014.
  9. ↑ "Spice svengali celebrates S Club success". BBC News (BBC). 14 June 1999. Retrieved 15 April 2008.
  10. 1 2 Robinson, Michael G. and Winkle, Timothy K. (October 2004). "The innocents abroad: S Club 7's America". Popular Music Society (CNET Networks, Inc.). Archived from the original on 19 August 2006. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Paramor, Jordan (2001). 7 Heaven: The Official Book. Great Britain: Puffin Books. pp. 6–19, 21–22, 36, 38, 41. ISBN 0-14-131460-5.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 S Club 7 (22 November 1999). S Club 7: It's an S Club Thing (VHS documentary). Warner Music Vision. Event occurs at 04:15, 04:54, 05:20, 13:00, 15:30.
  13. ↑ Robinson, Peter (March 2012). "Popjustice - Popstars: S Club 7". Popjustice - Popstars. Popjustice.com. Retrieved 14 August 2012.
  14. ↑ "Video Brunel Interviews S Club - Dec 2012". YouTube. December 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
  15. 1 2 "Seven up for pop fame". BBC News (BBC). 8 April 1999. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  16. 1 2 3 Neal, Victoria (November 1999). "Daydream Relivers - British import, 'S Club 7' television program, about a performing group by the same name, is coming to the US". Entrepreneur (CNET Networks, Inc.). Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  17. ↑ S Club 7 (as Themselves) / Simon Fuller, Nigel Lythgoe (Producers) / Paul Alexander, Simon Braithwaite, Paul Dorman, Kim Fuller, Georgia Pritchett (Writers). "Back to the '50s". S Club 7 TV movie. Season Special. 1:24, 1:52 minutes in. ITV. CITV on ITV1.
  18. ↑ S Club 7 (as Themselves) / Simon Fuller, Andrew Margetson, Stephen Brierley (Producers) / Kim Fuller, Georgia Pritchett (Writers) (12 December 1999). "Boyfriends & Birthdays". S Club 7 TV movie. Season Special. 2:28 minutes in. BBC. CBBC on BBC One.
  19. 1 2 "S Club 7 Fanzine 2 - fanclub press booklet" (Press release). Polydor Ltd. 20 September 1999.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "S Club - Full Official Chart History". Official Chart Company. Official Chart Company. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  21. ↑ "BPI Entry - Bring It All Back". BPI Certified Awards Database. British Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on 19 December 2008. Retrieved 23 January 2008.
  22. ↑ "Hasbro to Unveil Products Based On Television and Recording Phenomenon S Club 7.". AllBusiness.com. Business Wire. 2 February 2000. Archived from the original on 21 December 2008. Retrieved 26 October 2008.
  23. ↑ "New Zealand Singles Charts - Week Ending 26/12/1999". Charts.org.nz. 26 December 1999. Retrieved 20 January 2008.
  24. ↑ "BPI Entry - S Club". BPI Certified Awards Database. British Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 23 January 2008.
  25. ↑ "List of BRIT Award Winners (2000)". BRITAwards.com. Archived from the original on 12 May 2008. Retrieved 22 January 2008.
  26. ↑ "BPI Entry - 7". BPI Certified Awards Database. British Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 23 January 2008.
  27. ↑ "RIAA entry - 7". RIAA Gold & Platinum Searchable Database. Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 23 January 2008.
  28. ↑ "S Club 7 Go Wild! - Programme Information". BBC Programme Catalogue. BBC. Retrieved 15 October 2007.
  29. ↑ Rachel Stevens, Paul Cattermole (Presenters) / Danny Filthes (Director). "Rachel: Siberian Tiger". S Club 7 Go Wild!. Episode 7. BBC. CBBC on BBC One.
  30. ↑ Andrew Miller, Hannah Spearritt (Presenters) / John Clements (Director). "Bradley: Hyacinth Macaw". S Club 7 Go Wild!. Episode 3. BBC. CBBC on BBC One.
  31. ↑ "S Club 7 launch poppy appeal". BBC News (BBC). 26 October 2000. Retrieved 14 October 2007.
  32. ↑ "Woolworths Kids First - Charity History". JustGiving.com. Archived from the original on 27 December 2007. Retrieved 14 October 2007.
  33. 1 2 Mick Jagger and Keith Richards (Songwriters) (13 December 1999). It's Only Rock 'n' Roll / Various Artists for Children's Promise (Audio CD/Cassette). Universal Music Group. Catalogue Numbers: 1566012 (CD1) / 1565982 (CD2) / 1565984 (Cassette).
  34. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 75". Official Charts Company. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  35. ↑ "ELO top 'guilty secret' song list". BBC News (BBC). 2 August 2006. Retrieved 19 April 2008.
  36. ↑ "BPI Entry - Don't Stop Movin'". BPI Certified Awards Database. British Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original on 19 December 2008. Retrieved 18 April 2008.
  37. 1 2 "Best Selling Singles 2001-05" (PDF). BPI Certified Awards Database. British Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2008.
  38. 1 2 "S Club 7 score chart hat-trick". BBC News (BBC). 29 April 2001. Retrieved 18 April 2008.
  39. ↑ "S Club 7 win Record of the Year 2001". CBBC Newsround (BBC). 9 December 2001. Retrieved 5 September 2007.
  40. ↑ "List of BRIT Award Winners (2002)". BRITAwards.com. Archived from the original on 12 May 2008. Retrieved 22 January 2008.
  41. 1 2 3 Gonshor, Adam (11 March 2004). "Hannah Spearritt: From S Club to Cody Banks 2". andPOP.com. Retrieved 17 April 2008.
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  43. ↑ "S Club Juniors reach for the stars". CBBC Newsround (BBC). 27 November 2001. Retrieved 5 September 2007.
  44. ↑ "everyHit.com - UK Top 40 Hit Database". everyHit.com. Retrieved 18 April 2007.
  45. ↑ "'I Sang with S Club 7'". CBBC Newsround (BBC). 19 December 2001. Retrieved 4 September 2007.
  46. 1 2 Gill, Claire (31 January 2002). "S Club carnival opening night review". CBBC Newsround (BBC). Retrieved 19 April 2008.
  47. ↑ "6 days to S Club Carnival...Bradley". CBBC Newsround (BBC). 25 January 2002. Retrieved 19 April 2008.
  48. 1 2 "4 days to S Club Carnival...Paul". CBBC Newsround (BBC). 27 January 2002. Retrieved 19 April 2007.
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  56. ↑ "Jo's Not leaving S Club despite back problems". CBBC Newsround (BBC). 28 October 2002. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
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  62. ↑ "S Club 3". - 6 November 2008.
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  64. ↑ "S Club Tour and Album next year". - 14 December 2008.
  65. ↑ "S Club to turn on Mansfield Christmas Lights". - 7 October 2009.
  66. ↑ "Tottenham Carnival today!". Haringey Independent - 19 June 2010
  67. ↑ "S Club 3 @ Gay Pride". - 3 July 2010
  68. ↑ "...and Bradley and Jo in Dublin". - 26 January 2011
  69. ↑ "KUSU". Archived from the original on 10 November 2013. - 26 January 2011
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  77. ↑ Victoria Derbyshire: 30 April 2012. BBC Radio 5.
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