# Tributes paid to drummer with dozens of number ones

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/tributes-paid-to-drummer-with-dozens-of-number-ones/
- Published: 2026-11-04T17:23:26+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T06:41:21+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Entertainment (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c317kjwj18wzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Clem Cattini has died aged 89.
- He co-founded the Tornados, whose “Telstar” topped charts in 1962.
- He played on many major British hits as a session drummer.

## Summary

Clem Cattini, the drummer who performed on numerous UK number one singles, has died aged 89. He co-founded the Tornados, whose instrumental hit “Telstar” topped the UK chart for five weeks in 1962 and made them the first British group to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Cattini was also a prolific session musician, playing on hits including Tom Jones’s “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?”. His other work included recordings with Paul McCartney, Paul Weller and The Kinks, touring with Cliff Richard and Roy Orbison, and playing on every track of the instrumental album *Thrillington*. Musicians and groups paid tribute to his playing and influence.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.