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This vocal group evoked mixed reactions when they burst onto the UK music scene in 1999. Highly popular with their teenage fanbase, but the nadir of pre-packaged pop for others, the group was conceived, created and ruthlessly marketed as a
multi-media entity. The highly photogenic mixed gender line-up featured Bradley McIntosh (b. 8 August 1981), Hannah Spearritt (b. 1 April 1981), Jon Lee (b. 26 April 1982), Jo O'Meara (b. 26 April 1979), Paul Cattermole (b. 7 March 1977), Rachel Stevens (b. 9 April 1978, London, England), and Tina Barrett (b. 16 September 1976). Polydor Records were no doubt highly satisfied when the troupe's debut single, "Bring It All Back', debuted at UK number 1 in June. 'S Club Party' narrowly failed to repeat the debut single's success, stalling at number 2 in September. For anyone who had temporarily forgotten who the singers were, the single included a handy segment where each member was introduced by the others. Another setback occurred in December when S Club 7"s Christmas single, "Two In A Million"/"You're My Number One", was given a good old fashioned mauling on the sales chart by Westlife's "I Have A Dream"/"Seasons In The Sun". Their television series Miami 7 aka S Club 7 In Miami, which updated The Monkees format for the 90s, proved to be a highly successful export.
The group continued to enjoy UK success throughout 2000, culminating in December's chart-topping charity single "Never Had A Dream Come True". The following March, the group's squeaky clean image was dented when McIntosh, Cattermole and Lee received a formal caution for possession of cannabis. Nevertheless, their next single "Don't Stop Movin'" debuted at number 1 the following month. Unusually for a UK chart single it returned to the top of the charts in May, by which time "Never Had A Dream Come True" had broken into the US Top 10. The group notched up their fourth UK chart-topper in November with the charity single "Have You Ever". In 2002, the group was seriously challenged in the UK charts by Polydor's pre-teen spin-off act, S Club Juniors. Further upheaval ensued during the year when Cattermole announced he was leaving to pursue a solo career. The remaining six members continued under the S Club moniker, but their first single without Cattermole, "Alive", stalled at number 5 in the UK charts in November. Following the release of their first movie venture, Seeing Double, in April 2003, S Club announced they would be disbanding after completing their UK tour. Stevens embarked on a solo career, enjoying a UK Top 5 hit with the jaunty "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex".
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