Clem Cattini, the British session drummer who played on more U.K. No. 1 singles than almost anyone in history, has died in London at age 89 after a fall.
The Drummer Behind the Hits
Clem Cattini, born in Stoke Newington, London, in 1937 to Italian parents, began his musical journey in the coffee bars of Soho. His first recording, Johnny Kidd & the Pirates’ ‘Shakin’ All Over’, reached No. 1 in the U.K. in 1960. The iconic drum break in the middle, a happy accident, was kept by the producer.
From ‘Telstar’ to Session Greatness
As a founding member of the Tornados, Cattini co-created ‘Telstar’ in 1962. This instrumental track became the first by a British group to top the Billboard Hot 100. Cattini claimed the song’s distinctive rhythm was his idea.
From 1965, he became one of Britain’s most sought-after session drummers, despite being unable to read music. He played on at least 42 U.K. No. 1 singles, including tracks by The Kinks, the Walker Brothers, the Bee Gees, Lou Reed, and Cliff Richard. He also drummed on Donovan’s ‘Hurdy Gurdy Man’, a session confirmed by John Paul Jones.
Turning Down Legends
Cattini was considered for Led Zeppelin but was too busy with sessions to meet manager Peter Grant. He also declined a spot in Paul McCartney’s Wings, stating he had done enough touring. He referred to himself as a ‘musical navvy’, a British term for a labourer.
Cattini’s death marks the end of an era in British music history. He is survived by his wife, Anna, and his family.
Sources
- Legendary ’60s Drummer Dies in London After a Fall; He Was 89
- Legendary Stardust Cowboy
- Legendary Singer and Last Surviving Founding Member of ’60s Icons The Lettermen Is Dead; He Was 87 – AOL
- Molly Hatchet Roar Down "Dixie Highway" Toward Abbey Road Magic On 'Lost Horizon' – That Eric Alper
- METALLICA Shares Pro-Shot Video Of 'Sad But True' Performance From Fifth Show Of Las Vegas Sphere Residency
Photo: marktristan at Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
