The British music industry is mourning the loss of Hertfordshire resident Clem Cattini, who died at the age of 89. Renowned as a foundational rock instrumentalist and premier studio musician, he shaped decades of popular hits and set historical chart records. Fellow artists credit his vast studio legacy with paving the way for generations of professional drummers. In addition to contributing to numerous classic hits, Cattini was later portrayed by actor James Corden in the 2008 film Telstar about producer Joe Meek.
Key points
The Hertfordshire resident passed away at 89 following a decades-long career as one of th…: The Hertfordshire resident passed away at 89 following a decades-long career as one of the most prolific session drummers in British history.
Cattini's diverse professional credits include touring alongside Cliff Richard and Roy Or…: Cattini's diverse professional credits include touring alongside Cliff Richard and Roy Orbison as well as performing with the Top of the Pops orchestra.
Industry peers such as Tony Christie, Carl Palmer, and The Equals recognized his influenc…: Industry peers such as Tony Christie, Carl Palmer, and The Equals recognized his influence and praised him for opening doors for other drummers.
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Tributes have been paid after the death of drummer Clem Cattini, who performed on several UK Number One singles.
The 89-year-old, who lived in Hertfordshire, co-founded the Tornados in 1961. Their instrumental Telstar spent five weeks at the top of the UK chart in 1962, and they became the first British group to top the US Billboard Hot 100.
As a session musician, he played on number one hits such as 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?.
In a Facebook post, external Christie described Cattini as "a world class musician but also a world class gentleman".
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 groups Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Asia, said: "The drummers all…
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