Renowned session drummer Clem Cattini, whose beats powered dozens of UK Number One singles, has passed away at the age of 89. The musician, who lived in Hertfordshire, died after a remarkable career that saw him become one of the most recorded drummers in British music history.
A Star with The Tornados
Born in August 1937 to Italian parents in Stoke Newington, north London, Cattini co-founded the Tornados in 1961. The group's instrumental track "Telstar" soared to the top of the UK charts in 1962, staying there for five weeks. It also made history by becoming the first British group to reach Number One on the US Billboard Hot 100.
As a session musician, Cattini's talent was in high demand. He played on numerous chart-topping hits, including Tom Jones' "Green, Green Grass of Home", Dusty Springfield's "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me", and Tony Christie's "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo?". His work also featured on Engelbert Humperdinck's "Release Me", Love Affair's "Everlasting Love", and Johnny Kidd & The Pirates' "Shakin' All Over".
Tributes from Fellow Musicians
Tony Christie led the tributes, describing Cattini as "a world class musician but also a world class gentleman". In a Facebook post, he wrote: "So very sad to hear that the great Clem Cattini, drummer of the Tornados and prolific session drummer has passed away. Clem played on more number 1 records than any other British drummer. Proud to have known him. My condolences and love to his family."
Carl Palmer, drummer with Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Asia, said: "The drummers all over the UK owe you a lot for opening the door for all of us."
North London band The Equals, who topped the charts in 1968 with "Baby Come Back", posted on social media: "The legendary Clem Cattini, a true powerhouse of percussion and one of the most prolific drummers in British recording history. An absolute legend who leaves behind an incredible musical legacy."
A Legacy of Collaboration
Cattini's versatility and skill made him a sought-after collaborator. He recorded with artists as diverse as Paul Weller, The Kinks, and even The Wombles. Notably, he played drums on all 11 tracks of Thrillington, an instrumental reworking of Paul and Linda McCartney's album Ram, released under the pseudonym Percy "Thrills" Thrillington.
He also toured with Cliff Richard and Roy Orbison, and performed on television with the Top Of The Pops orchestra. His life was dramatized in the 2008 film Telstar, about Tornados producer Joe Meek, with James Corden portraying Cattini.
Cattini's death marks the end of an era in British music. His contributions to countless hits have left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire drummers and music lovers alike.
