Mike Batt pays tribute to the Womble who was too busy for TV, and Led Zeppelin

Mike Batt has paid tribute to session drummer Clem Cattini, who died aged 89 on 2 November, recalling their work together on the Wombles’ 1970s hits. Batt said Cattini’s reliability and musical skill made him a drummer he would wait for, reflecting the importance of experienced session musicians before drum machines and sample libraries became common.

Cattini played on many of Batt’s recordings, but his packed schedule kept him from appearing with the Wombles on Top of the Pops and from joining Led Zeppelin as their drummer. He later joined the group when Batt revived it in the 1990s, contributing to the re-entry hits “Underground Overground” and “Remember You’re a Womble”. Batt recalled their time together fondly, including Cattini dressing as Bungo for television appearances.