Clem Cattini sadly passed away on Nov. 2, 2026, aged 89. The British drummer was highly successful throughout his career, playing on more UK No. 1s than any other British drummer.
Videos by Wide Open Country
In 1961, Clem co-founded the rock band The Tornados in 1961. The band's instrumental "Telstar" spent five weeks at the top of the UK's charts in 1962. Furthermore, The Tornados made history, becoming the first British group to reach the top of the US Billboard Hot 100. In an era long before the internet and viral trends, The Tornados' reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 was no easy feat.
Clem did more than play in a band, though. He was also a widely respected and often sought-out session musician. He played the drums "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?," per the BBC.
Upon learning of Clem's death, Tony Christie paid tribute to the talented drummer via a post
on Facebook."So very sad to hear that the great Clem Cattini, drummer of the Tornados and prolific session drummer has passed away," Christie wrote. "Clem played on more number 1 records than any other British drummer. Clem played on all my early MCA 1970's albums and all my hit singles including Is This The Way To Amarillo. Not only a world-class musician but also a world-class gentleman. Proud to have known him. My condolences and love to his family."
'The Equals' Also Paid Tribute to Clem Cattini
Christie wasn't the only musician to pay tribute to Clem. The Equals, who topped the British charts in 1968 with the hit "Baby Come Back," also shared a touching post
on Facebook."So saddened to hear that we've lost another great musician in the space of a week, and another fellow Londoner," the post read. "The legendary Clem Cattini, a true powerhouse of percussion and one of the most prolific drummers in British recording history, whose incredible talent featured on hundreds of recordings and countless hits, including many No. 1s. An absolute legend who leaves behind an incredible musical legacy. Make some noise up there with Steve!"
Currently, no information regarding Clem's impending funeral has been made public. Those details are expected to remain private for family and close friends.
