Clem Cattini, the Telstar drummer who played on 42 UK number ones, dies aged 89 after a fall at home

Clem Cattini, 89, who recorded Amarillo with Tony Christie, among the many sessions that made him one of Britain's most in-demand drummers.

Clem Cattini, born Clemente Anselmo Agustino Cattini in Stoke Newington to Italian parents in 1937, died on 2 November after suffering a fall at home. Publisher David Stark described him as the "greatest British session drummer of all time." He was among the co-founders of the Tornados in 1961, and their hit 'Telstar' gave them the distinction of being the first British group to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. Tony Christie called him "a world class musician but also a world class gentleman" and confirmed Cattini played drums on '(Is This the Way to) Amarillo.'

He also came within a lunch meeting of joining Led Zeppelin — too busy to meet manager Peter Grant, he never made it.

Carl Palmer said: 'The drummers all over the UK owe you a lot for opening the door for all of us.'

James Corden played Cattini in the 2008 film 'Telstar', about the Tornados' producer Joe Meek.

The SunClem Cattini dead aged 89: Legendary drummer who played on 42 number 1 singles & was considered for Led Zeppelin dies The IndependentDrummer Clem Cattini dies aged 89 Daily MailTributes paid to drummer who played on record number of UK number ones BBC News - EnglandTributes paid to drummer Clem Cattini who has died aged 89 BBCTributes paid to drummer with dozens of number ones The Irish SunLegendary drummer Clem Cattini who played on 42 UK number 1 singles dies - The Irish Sun NacionaleWho was Clem Cattini? The Telstar drummer who played on more than 40 UK number ones has died at 89 - Nacionale Doncaster Free PressTony Christie pays tribute to 'world class' Amarillo drummer after death - Doncaster Free Press

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