Tributes paid to drummer Clem Cattini who has died aged 89

Clem Cattini, a renowned drummer who contributed to numerous UK Number One hits, has passed away at the age of 89. A Hertfordshire resident, Cattini was a founding member of the Tornados in 1961. The band’s instrumental track “Telstar” garnered widespread acclaim, spending five weeks at the summit of the UK charts in 1962 and becoming the first British group to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Throughout his career as a session musician, Cattini lent his talents to a variety of chart-topping songs. Notable examples include 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 drumming became an integral part of some of the most memorable records of the era.

Tony Christie paid tribute to Cattini in a Facebook post, describing him as both “a world class musician but also a world class gentleman.” He expressed his sadness at the news and highlighted Cattini’s remarkable achievement of playing on more number one records than any other British drummer. Christie reflected on his pride in having known Cattini and extended condolences to the musician’s family.

Carl Palmer, famous for his work with Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Asia, also remembered Cattini, crediting him for breaking new ground for drummers across the UK. Palmer stated, “The drummers all over the UK owe you a lot for opening the door for all of us,” underscoring the lasting impact Cattini had on the music community