Drummer Clem Cattini passes away at 89

Famed drummer and the founding member of the Tornadoes, Clem Cattini passes away at 89. (Instagram)

Clem Cattini, who was a renowned drummer and known as the founding member of the Tornados, has passed away. He was 89 years old at the time of his passing. Over the years, he worked with a lot of well-known musicians and was featured on some of their biggest hits.

This includes his work with Tony Christie and Tom Jones.

Clem Cattini passes away at 89

The beloved drummer left for his heavenly abode on November 2, as confirmed by Beat Magazine. According to the outlet, the idol passed away after he had a major fall in his home. No other details have been shared with the public at the time of writing.Soon after the news was shared online, many people started sharing their tributes and condolences for the veteran musician.

From fellow artists in the industry to dedicated fans, many people came forward to remember his legacy.

Tributes pour in for Clem Cattini

Many fellow musicians shared their condolences for Cattini, which also included Tony Christie, with whom he works on the hit song ‘(Is This the Way to) Amarillo? ’. 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.

"The band The Equals, who were extremely popular during the 60s and 70s and continue to work, also shared their condolences online in a social media post. They wrote, “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 fan shared a photo of one of his records and posted, "Farewell to the great Clem Cattini seen here second left. He probably played drums on more hit records than anyone, ever. Joe Cocker, Jeff Beck, Lou Reed, Donovan, Georgie Fame, Roy Harper, Kinks, The Goodies, Bee Gees, The Wombles, and more.” Another netizen added, “One of those names that just cropped up again and again back when LPs had full track listings and credits.

RIP Clem Cattini.” Carl Palmer, a popular drummer who has worked with groups like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Asia, wrote, "The drummers all over the UK owe you a lot for opening the door for all of us."

Who was Clem Cattini?

Cattini was born in Stoke Newington, London, in 1937. His parents were Italian, and from a young age he used to help his father at his restaurant before he took up drumming more seriously. He started off by playing drums in many of the coffee bars of Soho.

The first song that he ever recorded was Johnny Kidd & the Pirates’ ‘Shakin’ All Over’. At the time of its release, the song went to No 1 in the UK in the 1960s. In 1961 he co-founded the Tornados, and the group’s track ‘Telestar’ remained at the top of the music charts for almost five weeks.

They were also the second British band at the time to make it to the Billboard 100 song list.He later became a session musician and worked with a lot of artists over the course of his career. This includes names like The Kinks, Engelbert Humperdinck, Paul Weller, the Walker Brothers, The Wombles, Roy Orbison, the Bee Gees, Lou Reed, and Cliff Richard.He is survived by his wife, Anna and his close family members.