music
March 16, 2026
'We kicked Bono’s arse': Atomic Kitten on how they made Whole Again (with a little help from Kraftwerk)
'Kerry’s spoken verse needed 39 takes spread over several months because she’d had her tonsils out'
TL;DR
- Andy McCluskey of OMD formed Atomic Kitten to revive his songwriting career after his band was perceived as outdated.
- Kerry Katona, Liz McClarnon, and Natasha Hamilton were recruited for the band, with 'Whole Again' becoming their major hit.
- The song 'Whole Again' was transformed from an electronic ballad into a modern gospel song by Stuart Kershaw.
- Kerry Katona's vocal parts required numerous takes due to medical issues.
- Atomic Kitten faced industry prejudice but achieved significant success, outselling U2.
- The song's universal theme of heartbreak allowed it to resonate widely, even inspiring unexpected fan chants.
- McCluskey recalls the song's impact during personal difficult times, highlighting its cathartic power.
- The band's performance at the Queen's golden jubilee with notable musicians is described as a surreal experience.