# Legendary Rock Drummer Who Nearly Joined Led Zeppelin and Played on 42 No. 1 Hits Dead at 89

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/legendary-rock-drummer-who-nearly-joined-led-zeppelin-and-played-on-42-no-1-hits-dead-at-89/
- Published: 2026-11-05T15:15:24+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T17:09:39+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/legendary-rock-drummer-who-nearly-joined-led-zeppelin-and-played-on-42-no-1-hits-dead-at-89/
- Topics: UK, World

## Key points

- Clem Cattini has died aged 89 after a reported fall.
- He played on 42 UK number one singles.
- He was invited to discuss a project that turned out to be Led Zeppelin.

## Summary

Clem Cattini, the veteran session drummer and former member of the Tornados, has died aged 89 after suffering a fall earlier in the week, according to reports. Across a career spanning six decades, he played on 42 UK number one singles, more than any other British drummer, and worked with a wide range of artists.

Cattini also came close to joining Led Zeppelin: manager Peter Grant twice invited him to lunch to discuss a project, but Cattini was too busy to meet him. He later realised the project was the band, but said he did not regret missing the opportunity. Tony Christie, who worked with him on “(Is This the Way to) Amarillo”, praised both his musicianship and character.

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